Because of You
Nickelback Lyrics


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Hands on the mirror, can't get much clearer
Can't make this all go away
Now that you're bleeding, you stare at the ceiling
And watch as it all fades away

From what you do...because of you...

You know I can't be there each time that you call
I swore not to come, but I'm here after all
I know by the look that I see in your eye
I won't stand around and I won't watch you die
For what you do..

(What you do, what you do, was because of you) x2

Now that you did this, you ask for forgiveness
Doctor could you be my priest
Say you're mistaken, but look what you've taken
You laugh as you lie through your teeth

From what you do...because of you...

You know I can't be there each time that you call
I swore not to come, but I'm here after all
I know by the look that I see in your eye
I won't stand around and I won't watch you die
For what you do...

(What you do, what you do, was because of you) x2

Hands on the mirror, can't get much clearer
Can't make this all go away
Now that you're bleeding, you stare at the ceiling
And watch as it all fades away

From what you do...because of you...

You know I can't be there each time that you call
I swore not to come, but I'm here after all
I know by the look that I see in your eye
I won't stand around and I won't watch you die
For what you do...





(What you do, what you do, was because of you) x2
...Because of you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Nickelback's "Because of You" tell a story of a person who is struggling with their own emotions and actions. They are looking at themselves in the mirror, trying to make sense of the situation that they find themselves in. They feel responsible for what has happened, but it's not entirely clear what that is. The lyrics suggest that they have hurt someone close to them and now they are dealing with the aftermath.


The tone of the song is somewhat confessional, as if the singer is trying to come clean about what they have done. They want to find forgiveness, but it's not easy. The line "Doctor could you be my priest" implies that they are looking for some sort of absolution. They know that they are responsible for what has happened, but they don't know how to fix it. The refrain "From what you do...because of you" emphasizes that the singer is aware that their actions have consequences, but they don't necessarily know how to make amends.


Overall, the lyrics in "Because of You" speak to the human experience of grappling with oneself and one's actions. It's a story of trying to find redemption and forgiveness in the face of one's own flaws.


Line by Line Meaning

Hands on the mirror, can't get much clearer
You see the reflection of yourself in the mirror and are faced with the harsh reality that you are the one responsible for your current situation.


Can't make this all go away
You cannot simply wish your problems away, you have to take responsibility and actively work towards solving them.


Now that you're bleeding, you stare at the ceiling
You are suffering the consequences of your actions and feel helpless and overwhelmed, searching for answers in any direction.


And watch as it all fades away
You are aware that the damage has been done and things will never be the same, but you still hold onto hope that you can make a change.


From what you do...because of you...
Your actions and decisions have a direct impact on the outcome of your life, and you cannot blame anyone else for the consequences.


You know I can't be there each time that you call
Others can offer support, but ultimately it is up to you to take charge of your own life and make the necessary changes to improve it.


I swore not to come, but I'm here after all
Despite your reluctance to bear witness to another's pain and suffering, eventually you realize that you cannot turn a blind eye to those who need help.


I know by the look that I see in your eye
You can tell from someone's expression and demeanor that they are in distress and need assistance.


I won't stand around and I won't watch you die
You refuse to be passive and complacent in the face of someone's suffering and will take action to help them.


For what you do...
You expect others to take responsibility for their actions and not repeat the same mistakes that hurt themselves and those around them.


(What you do, what you do, was because of you) x2
The repetition reinforces the idea that an individual's actions have a significant impact on their life, and they need to take ownership of their choices and outcomes.


Now that you did this, you ask for forgiveness
Having realized the gravity of your actions and the damage caused, you seek redemption and understanding from others.


Doctor could you be my priest
You turn to anyone who can offer guidance and help, regardless of their profession or background.


Say you're mistaken, but look what you've taken
You try to justify or deny your responsibility, but the consequences of your actions speak for themselves.


You laugh as you lie through your teeth
You recognize the absurdity of your own excuses and evasion tactics, but feel powerless to do anything except lie.


...Because of you
This repetition ties the entire song together, reiterating the idea that everything that happens is a direct result of your own words, actions, and decisions.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD KROEGER, MICHAEL KROEGER, MICHAEL DOUGLAS HENRY KROEGER, MIKE KROEGER, RYAN PEAKE, RYAN VIKEDAL, RYAN ANTHONY PEAKE

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