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River of Deceit
Mad Season Lyrics


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My pain is self-chosen
At least, so the prophet says
I could either burn
Or cut off my pride and buy some time
A head full of lies is the weight, tied to my waist

The river of deceit pulls down, oh oh
The only direction we flow is down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down

My pain is self-chosen
At least I believe it to be
I could either drown
Or pull off my skin and swim to shore
Now I can grow a beautiful shell for all to see

The River of Deceit pulls down, yeah
The only direction we flow is down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down

The pain is self-chosen, yeah
Our pain is self-chosen
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down

Overall Meaning

Mad Season's song "River Of Deceit" is a haunting and introspective tune that delves deep into the singer's emotional and mental turmoil. The opening lines, "My pain is self-chosen, at least, so the prophet says," imply that the pain and suffering the singer is feeling is self-inflicted. The reference to a "prophet" may indicate that the person has been warned or advised about their actions, but they have not heeded the warnings. The singer is aware that they have two choices, either to burn or cut off their pride and buy some time.


The following lines, "A head full of lies is the weight, tied to my waist," describe the feeling of carrying around the burden of falsehood and dishonesty. The painful or uncomfortable feeling is compared to something heavy that is tied to their waist, dragging them down.


The chorus, "The river of deceit pulls down, oh oh, the only direction we flow is down," is a metaphor of the singer's descent into darkness and despair. The repetition of the phrase "down, oh down" reinforces the idea of a downward spiral, where the person feels trapped and unable to escape.


The second verse highlights the singer's determination to overcome their pain and suffering. The line, "I could either drown or pull off my skin and swim to shore," describes the two options they have when it comes to dealing with their pain. The idea of pulling off their skin is a powerful metaphor for shedding their old self and starting anew. The reference to growing a beautiful shell for all to see suggests that the person is willing to put on a brave face and keep their inner turmoil hidden.


In summary, "River of Deceit" is a poignant exploration of the human condition and the choices we make in dealing with pain and hardship.


Line by Line Meaning

My pain is self-chosen
I am responsible for the pain I feel


At least, so the prophet says
According to a wise person's teachings


I could either burn
I could self-destruct


Or cut off my pride and buy some time
Or swallow my ego and gain some reprieve


A head full of lies is the weight, tied to my waist
My deceitful thoughts are dragging me down


The river of deceit pulls down, oh oh
The destructive force of my thoughts is overwhelming


The only direction we flow is down
We are all headed towards self-destruction


My pain is self-chosen
I am responsible for the pain I feel


At least I believe it to be
At least that's what I think


I could either drown
I could succumb to my pain


Or pull off my skin and swim to shore
Or shed my false self and move forward


Now I can grow a beautiful shell for all to see
Now I can cultivate a genuine and attractive exterior


The river of deceit pulls down, yeah
The destructive force of my thoughts is overwhelming


The pain is self-chosen, yeah
I am responsible for the pain I feel


Our pain is self-chosen
We are all responsible for the pain we feel


Down, oh down
We are headed for self-destruction


Down, oh down
We are headed for self-destruction


Down, oh down
We are headed for self-destruction


Down, oh down
We are headed for self-destruction


Down, oh down
We are headed for self-destruction




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Barrett Martin, John Saunders, Layne Staley, Mike McCready

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@korntheend

My pain is self-chosen
At least, so the prophet says
I could either burn
Or cut off my pride and buy some time
A head full of lies is the weight, tied to my waist
The river of deceit pulls down, oh oh
The only direction we flow is down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
My pain is self-chosen
At least I believe it to be
I could either drown
Or pull off my skin and swim to shore
Now I can grow a beautiful shell for all to see
The river of deceit pulls down, yeah
The only direction we flow is down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
The pain is self-chosen, yeah
Our pain is self-chosen
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down
Down, oh down



All comments from YouTube:

@rainingblood8683

12 months today no alcohol! Came here to celebrate with Layne!

@ccjones813

Hell yeah how awesome for you ! ☮️💫💜

@chadwilbur5364

God I wish I could quit.

@ninphette1612

💙💙💙🦇

@kathleenspreen6143

Thank you. Working on it, daily...

@lexieturgeon8688

9 YEARS off heroin for me this month

559 More Replies...

@gretztrumentals

It's a strange feeling to miss someone you've never met. What an angelic voice. Rest in peace Layne!

@HooliganMike24

His voice was out of this world. I wish I could’ve heard it live.. maybe in the next one

@colton6697

Best singer of all time honestly

@chasewhite8292

3 singers and artists that can never be replaced layne Stayley kurt Cobain and axl rose I hope people diss agree cause if they do they obviously don't no anything about true great music peace out rest in peace and keep on rockin

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