Someone Else
Ailanthus Lyrics

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I can feel your breath
Crawling down my neck
Always too close for comfort
You refuse to take a step back
I can never really see
you for what you hide
Eyes cloaked with dark circles cover what's inside
I can never keep composure when I'm in your arms

I can never hear your tongue twirled lies
My ears beg to listen
Your charms make something die inside
I can never let myself
exert self control when I'm around you

I am someone else
I can never keep composure when I'm in your arms

Overall Meaning

The song "Someone Else" by Ailanthus discusses the conflicting emotions and instability of being in a relationship with someone who is toxic for you. The lyrics describe feeling suffocated by the presence of the other person and unable to see them beyond the facade they present to the outside world. The singer is aware of the lies the other person tells, but is unable to resist their charm despite knowing that they are destructive to him/her. The singer feels powerless to exert self-control around this person, and is aware that they become a different person when in this person's presence.

The repeated lines "I can never keep composure when I'm in your arms" and "I am someone else" emphasize the sense of losing oneself and surrendering control when in the presence of someone toxic. The defensive tone of the lyrics ("you refuse to take a step back" and "your charms make something die inside") suggest a level of resentment towards the other person, although the singer is ultimately aware of their own complicity and inability to resist.

Overall, "Someone Else" is a haunting and melancholy portrayal of a toxic relationship, and the emotional toll it takes on both parties involved.

Line by Line Meaning

I can feel your breath
I can sense your presence

Crawling down my neck
Feeling an uncomfortable sensation

Always too close for comfort
Being in close proximity is unsettling

You refuse to take a step back
You do not respect my personal space

I can never really see
I cannot understand

you for what you hide
The true nature of your character is concealed

Eyes cloaked with dark circles cover what's inside
Your eyes are covered with dark circles concealing what you truly feel

I can never keep composure when I'm in your arms
Being in your embrace causes me to lose control

I can never hear your tongue twirled lies
I cannot listen to your deceptions

My ears beg to listen
My ears yearn for the truth