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Massive Attack — Protection
Album: Protection
Avg rating:
7.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4618









Released: 1995
Length: 7:40
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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This girl I know needs some shelter
She don't believe anyone can help her
She's doing so much harm, doing so much damage
But you don't want to get involved, you tell her she can manage
And you can't change the way she feels
But you could put your arms around her
I know you want to live yourself, but could you forgive yourself
If you left her just the way, you found her

I stand in front of you, I'll take the force of the blow, protection
I stand in front of you, I'll take the force of the blow, protection

You're a boy and I'm a girl
But you know you can lean on me
And I don't have no fear, I'll take on any man here
Who says that's not the way it should be

I stand in front of you, I'll take the force of the blow, protection
I stand in front of you, I'll take the force of the blow, protection

She's a girl and you're a boy
Sometimes you look so small, look so small
You've got a baby of your own when your baby's grown
She'll be the one to catch you when you fall

I stand in front of you, I'll take the force of the blow, protection
I stand in front of you, I'll take the force of the blow, protection
You're a girl and I'm a boy, you're a girl and I'm a boy, yeah
You're a girl and I'm a boy, you're a girl and I'm a boy, hey
Comments (479)add comment
Wherever I am ... when this song hits my ear ...  I stop whatever I'm doing and float   :)    

  
Posted 5 hours ago by gusthemonkey    [ Reply ]
Thank you for the fantastic music guys!😊
Saw Massive Attack last year, one of the best gigs I ever went to! 
More! More! 😊
Posted 1 month ago by rerrin1959    [ Reply ]
shade of Sade
Posted 5 months ago by ray_killeen    [ Reply ]
THE BEST
Massive Attack - nothing compares to them
Posted 1 year ago by Lemonhead    [ Reply ]
 stacey.otte wrote:

This is Tracy Thorn singing, right?  Perfect accompaniment for Massive Attack!



Correct, and if her voice sounds familiar it is because she is the Tracy Thorn of Everything But The Girl
Posted 1 year ago by Ihatethissong    [ Reply ]
 jp33442 wrote:

Well at least your polite and not being trollish about it


*you're  
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
i thought this was everything but the girl...wow.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
What is it about this song? It is impossible to get tired of it... and it's nearly 30 years old
Posted 1 year ago by hightail    [ Reply ]
 Antsonjahli wrote:
This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.  
 khardog145 wrote:
Great choice.  

Great choice for a dance, perhaps... not so much for a waltz.
Waltzes are usually in 3/4 time - never in 4/4 time.
And, yes, I know that is pedantic.
Posted 1 year ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
 vandal wrote:


Must you always be so needlessly pedantic? 

You're probably right; in my defence I've had incurable toothache for about two years, and it tends to make me cranky. 
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
up'ed it from 9 to 10 - so, so nourishing...
Posted 1 year ago by garrettb    [ Reply ]
Never never bored with this. It's in my top 10 all time favourite tracks. So good. Love Tracy Thorn -I had a girl crush on her in the '90s  just coz her voice. 
Posted 1 year ago by hightail    [ Reply ]
<checks rating in first 10 seconds of music> 

Yep. Already voted it a 9.  The little synth pulses in the background are a nice supplement to Ms Thorn's exquisite vocals.
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 stacey.otte wrote:

This is Tracy Thorn singing, right?  Perfect accompaniment for Massive Attack!



Yes!  definitely yes!  Cannot miss that iconic voice.  I thought this was Everything But the Girl and ws suprised to see it was Massive Attack.  Then I HAD to do a bit of research, especially after I saw your comment.  BTW, after 23 years,  Everything But the Girl  is putting out a new album!
Posted 1 year ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

...or should one say "a terrific run of music over the last" 17 years?

Funny thing is the 1st song I remember hearing on RP was James Blunt's "Wiseman" about 11 years ago now. 


First song I heard, back in 2002, was Traffic "Many a Mile to Freedom" and I thought this was going to be a classic / prog / album rock station. 20 years later, it has been so much more, thanks to B&R, artists like Massive Attack, and continual evolution. 
Posted 1 year ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:

Whatever it was, it wasn't a waltz; a waltz is in 3/4 and this is in common time. 


Must you always be so needlessly pedantic? 
Posted 1 year ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
This song is good to test loudspeakers bass
Posted 1 year ago by flozer68    [ Reply ]
Very good
Posted 1 year ago by LinThizzy    [ Reply ]
 Antsonjahli wrote:

This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.



Didn't see that coming. 
Posted 1 year ago by chinacat    [ Reply ]
A completely timeless piece of music. 
Posted 2 years ago by schoelle    [ Reply ]
 Antsonjahli wrote:

This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.


Never seen anyone waltz to a piece of music in 4/4 time, that must've been hard. No wonder you're still married!

Posted 2 years ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
Beautiful track from an excellent album.
Posted 2 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
One of the few songs on RP to give me a headache. And I like Massive Attack.
Posted 2 years ago by moocray    [ Reply ]
 Antsonjahli wrote:

This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.


Whatever it was, it wasn't a waltz; a waltz is in 3/4 and this is in common time. 
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
This song triggers so many sad emotions in me - grief, loss, lost love.
It hurts, but it is such a beautiful song.
Keep the music coming RP :)
Posted 2 years ago by garrettb    [ Reply ]
 Wonderloaf wrote:


so you made everyone watch you for 7+ minutes?
glad i wasn't invited


with that attitude, I'm also glad you weren't.
Posted 2 years ago by walk2k    [ Reply ]
Tracy Thorn is the perfect choice of vocalist for this song, sublime.
Posted 2 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
!nice song.  Love Tracy's voice. It's been here for 17 years in 2022.  I decided to read the lyrics this time and notice a whole verse is missing.
Posted 2 years ago by 1jerry    [ Reply ]
 Antsonjahli wrote:

This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.



so you made everyone watch you for 7+ minutes?
glad i wasn't invited
Posted 2 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
Cut this shit down to 3 minutes..........
Posted 2 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
Back when techno had some creative inventiveness. ♥️♥️♥️
Posted 2 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
Is this block / song playing silence for anyone ?
Posted 2 years ago by theirongiant    [ Reply ]
 Antsonjahli wrote:

This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.



Waltz?  Great choice nontheless.
Posted 2 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
 Ptijoc wrote:

I see all the reviews of this band are laudatory but personally I have always found their music incredibly boring.



You did use the superlative "incredibly", so this seems like a sort of laudatory comment.
Posted 2 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Second Tracey Thorn song this afternoon. I am not complaining. 
Posted 2 years ago by bkrans9    [ Reply ]
dang this woman has an incredible voice....
Posted 2 years ago by lynn01    [ Reply ]
 stacey.otte wrote:

This is Tracy Thorn singing, right?  Perfect accompaniment for Massive Attack!



Yes, that is her unmistakable voice. While not credited here in the Artist listing, she is given credit on the album.
Posted 2 years ago by opaceo    [ Reply ]
Ten.

Another ten for The Eno Mix of this track 👍👍👍
Posted 2 years ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear this I like it more. Which the ratings could go higher than 10...
Posted 2 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
I like it! It is the first time I've heard them. Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Ptijoc wrote:

I see all the reviews of this band are laudatory but personally I have always found their music incredibly boring.


Well at least your polite and not being trollish about it
Posted 2 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]

I see all the reviews of this band are laudatory but personally I have always found their music incredibly boring.

Posted 2 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
This is so perfect... Chillin and sipping wine 
Posted 3 years ago by HÞrring    [ Reply ]
 stacey.otte wrote:

This is Tracy Thorn singing, right?  Perfect accompaniment for Massive Attack!


Thanks...was trying to place the vocalist and couldn't quite get there...
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
 MIkePogo wrote:


Same!


Yes!  I do this all the time to Awesome tunes!  :)
Posted 3 years ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
Love this!  just bumped from 7 >>>> 10 with no regrets! 
Posted 3 years ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
 SquiddlyDiddly wrote:

I had to mark this back to 9. . . just so I had the satisfaction of giving it a 10 again. 



Same!
Posted 3 years ago by MIkePogo    [ Reply ]
Just sublime.......
Posted 3 years ago by caledonian    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

...or should one say "a terrific run of music over the last" 17 years?

Funny thing is the 1st song I remember hearing on RP was James Blunt's "Wiseman" about 11 years ago now.

 





You mean 21 years?
Posted 3 years ago by mariodrv    [ Reply ]
 Antsonjahli wrote:

This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.



'waltz' - brave girl!!  ;D
Posted 3 years ago by Johnny_Alpha    [ Reply ]
So much 10 for this song!
Posted 3 years ago by kcatalina    [ Reply ]
 bkrans9 wrote:

I can't believe that voice isn't Tracy Thorn of Everything But the Girl.



It is!
Posted 3 years ago by grimdarc    [ Reply ]
 hempmandan wrote:

Love Beth Orton
 



huh? 
Posted 3 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
I can't believe that voice isn't Tracy Thorn of Everything But the Girl.
Posted 3 years ago by bkrans9    [ Reply ]
 dtl wrote:
Tracey Thorn!  I had no idea this is the singer from "Everything But the Girl"
 

I knew it immediately - I love her voice.  I didn't see her attributed anywhere though.  OK, she was on Wikipedia.
Posted 3 years ago by Ralf    [ Reply ]
  
Posted 4 years ago by RedTopFireBelow    [ Reply ]
Masterpiece! the whole album is in my top 10!
Posted 4 years ago by schluca    [ Reply ]
Ploddy, dull bass. Apart from that, fine.
Posted 4 years ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
I never get tired of this song <3
Posted 4 years ago by k1j2cat    [ Reply ]
 Antsonjahli wrote:
This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.
 

Great choice.  
Posted 4 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
I am confused, so am I a boy or a girl? Feels like a math problem song
Posted 4 years ago by Meolla_Reio    [ Reply ]
 DrLex wrote:
This song is like being fond of both the taste of coffee, and the taste of a certain cookie, and then being handed this favourite cookie dipped in coffee.
 

A sublime description
Posted 4 years ago by radiotoe    [ Reply ]
This song is like being fond of both the taste of coffee, and the taste of a certain cookie, and then being handed this favourite cookie dipped in coffee.
Posted 4 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
 memoryboxer wrote:
On the heels of Stand or Fall from the Fixx; nice one, Bill. Another beautiful and bleak song about our deeply broken world.
 
If it was deeply broken one year ago, what the he!! is it now?

But yes, a beautiful and bleak song. But with a tinge of love and hope too.
c.
Posted 4 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
The big payback!!
Posted 4 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
It appears to me that some lyrics are missing from those to the left of the comments. 

Bumping this up to an 8 from 7 just for Tracey Thorn's voice.
Posted 4 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
This is Tracy Thorn singing, right?  Perfect accompaniment for Massive Attack!
Posted 4 years ago by stacey.otte    [ Reply ]
Stunningly beautiful song,sing it my lovey😎
Posted 4 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
I have so much to say, but I won't. Folks fear thte truth.
Posted 4 years ago by jahgirl8    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill for taking GEMS like this one out of the box where they were sitting for too long... 
Posted 4 years ago by Estroso    [ Reply ]
I've been trying to enjoy this music for years, but it's hopeless, I can not help but find it annoying and boring
Posted 4 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
their best.
Posted 5 years ago by Lemonhead    [ Reply ]
stunning. have always love Massive Attack
Posted 5 years ago by dubberdan    [ Reply ]
Tracey Thorn!  I had no idea this is the singer from "Everything But the Girl"
Posted 5 years ago by dtl    [ Reply ]
8 to 9. Thanks Bill for turning me on to this band. Long live RP.
Posted 5 years ago by OlderGentleman    [ Reply ]
<3 Tracey. 
Posted 5 years ago by annds    [ Reply ]
On the heels of Stand or Fall from the Fixx; nice one, Bill. Another beautiful and bleak song about our deeply broken world.
Posted 5 years ago by memoryboxer    [ Reply ]
This was our wedding waltz song in January 1995....still married.
Posted 5 years ago by Antsonjahli    [ Reply ]
Loving this on a California Sunday afternoon!
Posted 5 years ago by BlueAjah    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..........truly brilliant 
Posted 6 years ago by givendale    [ Reply ]
Blue Lines and Mezzanine exist on a very different plane. A much higher one.
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Yet another early entry in my RP Favorites playlist. My friends love it almost as much as I. And wonder where I came up with such wonderful music!
Posted 6 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
Groups like Massive Attack and Portishead were truly what trip-hop was all about. Like just about every other genre, they inspired a lot of dreck masquerading as good music by grafting on those beats. But, others - like EBTG - were inspired by the two giants and crafted some great songs themselves. Some good stuff here.
Posted 7 years ago by NelsonBlack    [ Reply ]
Tracey Thorn and Poe only a few hours apart on the playlist. Can't ask for anything better. Thanks BillG.
Posted 7 years ago by agkagk    [ Reply ]
 Lemonhead wrote:
Never ages. Always sounds as fresh as first day I heard.{#Notworthy} 

 
And no preservatives either. How do they do it?!
Posted 7 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

Huh?

What are you getting up to in Nassau?

ear-pulling contest with two people and rubber band

 
Brilliant.
Posted 7 years ago by FourFortyEight    [ Reply ]
Never ages. Always sounds as fresh as first day I heard.{#Notworthy} 
Posted 7 years ago by Lemonhead    [ Reply ]
 maxjboxer wrote:
Thanks Bill and Rebecca for a terrific run of music over the last several hours.

 
...or should one say "a terrific run of music over the last" 17 years?

Funny thing is the 1st song I remember hearing on RP was James Blunt's "Wiseman" about 11 years ago now.

 


Posted 7 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Said it before, this takes me to a horizontal position from the past.
Hi Pam. {#Hug} 
Posted 7 years ago by Faithful_Fool    [ Reply ]
 SquiddlyDiddly wrote:

So do I. But this is Tracey Thorn {#Shifty}

 
Yep. Her voice is unmistakable.
Posted 8 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
cool on the JB wah piece....until it becomes super irritating
like Chinese water torture  
Posted 8 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
The mix this morning is mind-blowing. That is all
Posted 8 years ago by shakylegs    [ Reply ]
Yeah this has been a good stretch of music and I love this song
Posted 8 years ago by Kassbomb    [ Reply ]
Solid.
Posted 8 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill and Rebeca for a terrific run of music over the last several hours.
Posted 8 years ago by maxjboxer    [ Reply ]
Tracey:

"Beautiful and sophifisticated woman that will probably never give you the time of day. Generally Traceys have advanced degrees, wear very high heels and know that you are not worthy.  "
Rubbed from some reference or t'other. 

Posted 8 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:
If I hold my ears just right, this sounds like George Michael.

 
{#Roflol}
Posted 8 years ago by OHMish    [ Reply ]
This album is incredible and may even be better than their excellent début Blue Lines.

 
Posted 8 years ago by Dazzerb    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:
If I hold my ears just right, this sounds like George Michael.

 
Huh?

What are you getting up to in Nassau?

ear-pulling contest with two people and rubber band
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Perfect song to write to... Have always loved this; what a great voice, and what a nice, slow, chillin' groove... smooth as silk, for sure...
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
No doubt that is Tracy Thorn from Everything But the Girl.  Lovin it.
Posted 9 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Very easy 9 from a very easy 10 band. They're the Midas of trip-hop.
Posted 9 years ago by OceanBlue    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 9 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
{#Cowboy}
Posted 9 years ago by Lemonhead    [ Reply ]
 ckcotton wrote:
Truly not their best

 
well, it's not. It was an 'Everything but the girl' thing they remixed....it's nice. These guys really don't do anything that's not nice.

Posted 9 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
If I hold my ears just right, this sounds like George Michael.
Posted 9 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 SquiddlyDiddly wrote:

So do I. But this is Tracey Thorn {#Shifty}

 
"Everything But The Girl" sound confirmed. :)
Posted 9 years ago by AndyMcc    [ Reply ]
Sounds a lot like the group "Everything But The Girl".  
Posted 9 years ago by AndyMcc    [ Reply ]
 Piranga wrote:
Incredibly beautiful.

 
Agreed! Her voice enchants me!
Posted 9 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
Incredibly beautiful.
Posted 9 years ago by Piranga    [ Reply ]
 hempmandan wrote:
Love Beth Orton
 
So do I. But this is Tracey Thorn {#Shifty}
Posted 9 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
Love Beth Orton
 
Posted 9 years ago by hempmandan    [ Reply ]
 fitmartin wrote:
Always loved this womans voice, has a quality very unique and soothing!

Thanks Bill! solid 9

 
Yes
Posted 9 years ago by bwanab    [ Reply ]
This IS my wife... {#Hearteyes}
Posted 9 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
For a male, I'm a romantic sap - this song is gorgeous!! {#Kiss}
Posted 9 years ago by d48m02h1918    [ Reply ]
Always loved this womans voice, has a quality very unique and soothing!

Thanks Bill! solid 9
Posted 9 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
Can tell that's Tracey Thorn, all right.
Posted 9 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
Truly not their best
Posted 9 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]


Just.  So.  Good...
Posted 9 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
 NeuroGeek wrote:
First song all day that made me look up....liking this.  Can't believe I've not heard it before now (on RP).

 
This song is so good for the ears on this sunny September afternoon. {#Cheers}
Posted 10 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]