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Phantom Other
Department of Eagles Lyrics


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Alright, we'll do this your way
Alright, we'll make it anyway
Now'd be a good time
To send us all away, man

So what would it take?
And what would it take
To make you learn?
And what would it take?
And what would it take
To make you listen?

Oh man, you're not the only one
Oh boy, with that phantom other on
Now'd be the right time
To send us all away
It'd be a good time
If you just go away, man

What would it take?
What would it take
To make you leave?
What would it take?
What would it take
To make you listen?

My God in Heaven
What were we thinking?
My God in Heaven
What were we thinking of?

Look out, look out now
We gotta get out now
Look out, look out now
We gotta get out now

Wake up, wake up now
We gotta get up now
Wake up, wake up now
We gotta get up now

Overall Meaning

The Department of Eagles's song Phantom Other seems to be a reflection on the troubles of communication and the difficulties that come with being in a relationship with someone who refuses to listen or learn from their mistakes. The opening lines of the song suggest a sort of resignation to the situation at hand, as the singer says "Alright, we'll do this your way" and "Alright, we'll make it anyway". These lines indicate that the singer is willing to compromise and try to make things work, despite the difficulties they are facing.


The chorus of the song repeats the question "What would it take?" twice, followed by "To make you learn?" and "To make you listen?" These lines suggest frustration with the other person's stubbornness and a desire for them to open their mind and listen to what the singer has to say. The verses also include references to a "phantom other" and the need to "send us all away", which could be interpreted as a desire to escape the relationship or to distance oneself from the other person.


The bridge of the song brings in a religious reference with the line "My God in Heaven, what were we thinking?" This suggests a feeling of regret and perhaps a sense of needing divine intervention to make things right. The final lines of the song, "Wake up, wake up now, we gotta get up now", emphasize the urgency of the situation and the need to take action to improve things.


Overall, the lyrics of Phantom Other suggest a sense of frustration and helplessness in the face of communication breakdowns in a relationship. The repetition of the questions "What would it take?" and "To make you learn/listen?" emphasize the difficulty of finding a solution to the problem.


Line by Line Meaning

Alright, we'll do this your way
We will comply with your wishes.


Alright, we'll make it anyway
Despite difficulties, we will persevere.


Now'd be a good time
The present moment is suitable for some action.


To send us all away, man
All individuals present must exit the environment.


So what would it take?
What measures must be taken to achieve a goal?


And what would it take
What steps must be followed to succeed?


To make you learn?
How can you be taught a lesson?


And what would it take?
What actions should be taken next?


And what would it take
What strategies must be employed to accomplish a goal?


To make you listen?
How can you be made to pay attention?


Oh man, you're not the only one
You are not the sole person affected by this situation.


Oh boy, with that phantom other on
The person is facing an imaginary or illusory situation.


Now'd be the right time
The present moment is appropriate for some action.


To send us all away
Everyone present should leave the area.


It'd be a good time
Current circumstances are favorable for some course of action.


If you just go away, man
Please leave the environment immediately.


What would it take?
What measures need to be taken to achieve the goal?


What would it take
What is the recipe for success?


To make you leave?
What tactics can be used to encourage departure?


What would it take?
What strategies should be employed next?


What would it take
What steps must be followed to succeed?


To make you listen?
How can you be made to pay attention?


My God in Heaven
An exclamation indicating great surprise or shock.


What were we thinking?
What was our thought process when we acted in this way?


My God in Heaven
An exclamation indicating great surprise or shock.


What were we thinking of?
What was our frame of mind or motivation when we acted in this way?


Look out, look out now
Be aware and alert immediately.


We gotta get out now
Everyone must leave this place immediately.


Look out, look out now
Be aware and alert immediately.


We gotta get out now
Everyone must leave this place immediately.


Wake up, wake up now
Become alert and aware at this moment.


We gotta get up now
Everyone must leave this place immediately.


Wake up, wake up now
Become alert and aware at this moment.


We gotta get up now
Everyone must leave this place immediately.




Contributed by Blake D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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