"I’ve been writing a lot for my album and [this song is] a lot about being stuck inside my head, so this song is called “My Mind Is A Prison". Maybe you can relate."
Alec first teased the release of the song on Twitter in December 2019, referring to it as “My Mind Is A Prison.” A few days later, he performed a snippet of the song in an Instagram Live Video.
The “My” in the title was discarded when the cover art was revealed. A day before the release, a photo of Alec in a fishbowl was posted on Alec’s Instagram account, captioned “getting tanked on set rn.” He explained that the music video for the song would follow shortly.
"I overthink everything and so I wanted to make a song about it. And I’m always trying to sort of get out of my own head. I have OCD so I’m always going over and over and over things and sometimes I need to just not be like that. And it’s hard. So I made a song about it and I thought if I put it out in the universe, maybe I’d find some other people who felt the same way and maybe we could all find some comfort in knowing that there are other people out there who do the same thing."
"My friend Alex Hope produced the song. She is amazing. We make most of the songs together. I just feel comfortable working with her and she’s incredibly talented and also willing to go to dark places like this with me. I write a lot of songs by myself, but I do try to collaborate with other people and I think there’s not that many people that would want to go in on a song like this with me where I’m like, “Hey, how about we write a song called my ‘Mind is a Prison.’” And so the process of making the song is pretty much that. I was at her house and we’d been sitting around for like two or three hours just kicking ideas around and nothing came out. And then she played me one song, can’t remember what it was, and gave me a little chord idea and I started with the first chorus melody. She’s like, “Oh, that’s tight.” And we made a little track and I was like, “Oh, what if it was like about my mind being a prison? But instead we actually kind of went in on the metaphor and actually wrote it about like a jailbreak.”"
Mind Is A Prison
Alec Benjamin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm just a tenant, paying rent inside this body and I
Got two windows and those windows, well I'll call them my eyes
I'm just going where the wind blows, I don't get to decide
Sometimes I think too much, yeah, I get so caught up
I'm always stuck in my head
I wish I could escape, I tried to yesterday
Then I tied up my linen with five strips of ribbon I found
Scaled the side of the building
I ran to the hills 'til they found me
And they put me back in my cell
All by myself, alone with my thoughts again
I guess my mind is a prison and I'm never gonna get out
So they tranquilized me, analyzed me, threw me back in my cage
Then they tied me to an IV, told me I was insane
I'm a prisoner, a visitor inside of my brain
And no matter what I do, they try to keep me in chains
Sometimes I think to much, yeah, I get so caught up
I'm always stuck in my head
I wish I could escape, I tried to yesterday
Took all the sheets off my bed
Then I tied up my linen with five strips of ribbon I found
Scaled the side of the building
I ran to the hills 'til they found me
And they put me back in my cell
All by myself, alone with my thoughts again
I guess my mind is a prison and I'm never gonna get out
Said even if it's true, no matter what I do
I'm never gonna escape
I won't give up on hope, secure another rope
And try for another day
Said even if it's true, no matter what I do
I'm never gonna escape
I won't give up on hope, secure another rope
And try for another day
Then I tied up my linen with five strips of ribbon I found
Scaled the side of the building
I ran to the hills 'til they found me
And they put me back in my cell
All by myself, alone with my thoughts again
I guess my mind is a prison and I'm never gonna get out
In Alec Benjamin's song "Mind Is A Prison," the lyrics explore the feeling of being trapped within one's own mind. Benjamin begins by stating that he is not physically located in California but instead resides within his own body, feeling like a tenant who is simply paying rent. He compares his eyes to windows and admits that he feels like he has no control over where he goes or what he does. The chorus delves deeper into the idea of feeling trapped, as Benjamin explains that he thinks too much and always feels stuck within his own thoughts. He wishes to escape, and in an attempt to do so, he even takes drastic measures such as tying up his bed sheets and attempting to climb out of his building. Despite his efforts, however, he is always returned to his "cell," stuck alone with his own thoughts.
The second verse continues the theme of feeling trapped and explores the mistreatment Benjamin has faced from those trying to help him. He is analyzed, tranquilized and thrown back into his cage, and is told he is insane despite the fact that he simply feels stuck. Despite feeling like a prisoner within his own mind, Benjamin refuses to give up hope and plans to keep trying to escape - securing another rope and trying again the next day. The song concludes with Benjamin once again trying to escape, but he is once again returned to his cell, accepting that his mind is a prison from which he can never escape.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't live in California, I'll inform you, that's not where I reside
I don't physically exist in California, but I'm here inside this body
I'm just a tenant, paying rent inside this body and I
I'm just living temporarily in this body and paying rent (using effort)
Got two windows and those windows, well I'll call them my eyes
My eyes are the only two ways I perceive the world around me
I'm just going where the wind blows, I don't get to decide
I'm not in control of my life, I'm just following the path that fate has chosen for me
Sometimes I think too much, yeah, I get so caught up
I often overthink and get lost in my thoughts
I'm always stuck in my head
My thoughts consume me, and I cannot escape them
I wish I could escape, I tried to yesterday
I want to free myself from my own mind, and I've tried before
Took all the sheets off my bed
I removed all the bedding from my bed
Then I tied up my linen with five strips of ribbon I found
I used five ribbons to tie up the sheets and create a rope to escape
Scaled the side of the building
I climbed up the side of the building to freedom
I ran to the hills 'til they found me
I tried to escape into the wilderness, but I was eventually caught
And they put me back in my cell
I was captured and returned to my mental prison
All by myself, alone with my thoughts again
I return to the endless cycle of being alone with my own thoughts
I guess my mind is a prison and I'm never gonna get out
I'm trapped within my own mind, and it seems there is no escape
So they tranquilized me, analyzed me, threw me back in my cage
The authorities took action against me, sedated me, examined me, and returned me to my mental confinement
Then they tied me to an IV, told me I was insane
They bound me with life-support and made me believe I was mentally ill
I'm a prisoner, a visitor inside of my brain
I'm incarcerated and temporary within my mind
And no matter what I do, they try to keep me in chains
Regardless of my attempts to escape, they always bring me back to my mental captivity
Said even if it's true, no matter what I do
Even though it seems hopeless and true
I'm never gonna escape
I'll be trapped within my own mind forever
I won't give up on hope, secure another rope
I won't give up my hope for freedom, and I'll try again to create a means of escape
And try for another day
And I'll attempt once more to escape the next day
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alec Benjamin, Alex Hope
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@asherr5421
This song is the definition of depression.
I've had depression for years now, and let me tell you...to all the people who say this is like quarantine, it's not. At all. You dont get the point of the song.
How I see this beautiful piece of music:
-a person who feels trapped inside their own body, forced to interact with others, wishing they were dead.
-the "escape" part is basically trying to kill yourself, but someone keeps stopping you.
Please, if you are here to talk about quarantine, dont. This isnt "Level of Concern" or some other quarantine song.
So in conclusion, this wasn't meant to offend anyone or say anyone's opinion is wrong, but I'm just clarifying the true meaning of the song.
From: a severely depressed and mentally sick person
edit July 11, 2022-
so yeah a lot of shit has changed, yet my interpretation of this song still stays the same.
sure this song may describe feeling trapped, but clearly hints at suicide. the title of this song is quite literally "mind is a prison". considering this, the song is most likely about depression and feeling trapped inside of your own body, feeling helpless and trying to escape suicidal/self harming thoughts. It's been a long while since I wrote this comment man, and my view on the world has changed so much. I don't listen to this type of music anymore but I still relate to it. I went through dozens of suicide attempts, addictions and self harm yet I'm evidence that shit can get better. I'm still alive, yknow?
2nd edit-
in all, I have been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD and BPD. yeah dude collecting them like Pokémon cards. prolly got a lot more. but anyways, I want everyone reading this to know that yer not alone. if you need to rant or vent, ask someone you trust. I know the suicide health lines don't work most of the time. so if you need to talk to a stranger who actually knows how to help because of experience, you can text me @asherruno on snapchat. trust me, you will not be a burden. I am always here to listen, no matter what you said or did. plus, if you just need to talk to someone, I'm here for that too. I enjoy talking a lot, or listening.
Since you've already read so far, check out Gorillaz. real good band, interesting lore too. might not be yer style but give em a try. each song is different.
thank you, and see ya'll.
3rd edit: Aug 12, 2023.
Probably my last update. Currently going through a depressive episode and starting up school again in a couple days and really stressed. So many people have contacted me in these past 3+ years concerning their mental health, and are continuing to do so, even a couple days prior to writing this. Although I don't listen to this artist anymore and have turned to artists like Behemoth, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Korn,, SOAD, and other rock/metal artists, I still recognize and understand the struggle and justification of why people listen to music like this. I've matured so much in these past few years, even if I'm dealing with the same mental issues. I'm not the same person I was those 3 years ago. I'm not a kid anymore. Shit some people have to go through, we can't be kids in moments we should be. I guess I'm not considered a kid much anymore anyway. The point is that time goes by so fast, even if these years have been absolute shit for me. In and out of psych wards, on numerous meds, and going through a bunch of therapists. This summer I planned to end my life. I was fully prepared to say goodbye to everyone knowing I wouldn't be there to see them years from now. I wouldn't say I've completely gone away from suicidal thoughts but I realized these intense pains and emotions pass over time. This depressive episode, isn't quite as horrible and impulsive as usual. I have friends that care for me, that I know are a support for me. I know in this comment I've said previously to reach out to me instead of professionals. You can still reach out to me, I'm always an option, and I will do everything to help you. But I will also encourage you to reach out to a professional therapist if possible. I've had my share of financial issues, and my support is free. I understand how someone is unable to afford help. But the reality is that speaking to strangers online will only get you so far if you are severely struggling. I care for everyone's mental wellbeing and safety, I would never wish for someone to go through anything that I did. So if you can, please get help.
Re-interpretation:
So yes it's been years since I last interpreted this song. Since some have had problems, let me just clarify; THIS IS AN INTERPRETATION, NOT A CONFIRMED/OFFICIAL MEANING. 3 years ago, I worded it very wrong. And through these years, I've developed a completely different interpretation. People experience trauma differently, and many people in the comments have been supported and responding to each other which I think is very sweet. So here's my new interpretation.
this song has an endless possibilities of interpretation. PTSD, Bipolar, BPD, suicidal ideation, self harm, hallucinations, the list goes on. In short, I believe it's trying to escape that headspace, whether it's through suicide, substances, self harm, or getting help but it continues to reel you in, like a prison you cannot escape. You blame yourself. You blame it on others. I think this song is available to have everyone's own interpretations of it, so I will not go in as opinionated and personalized as my previous interpretation. Please interprete it as you wish. I know the official meaning if this song is very different from what my initial interpretation was, but in the end a song like this is bound to have varying interpretations. (End)
All in all, life has been the same shit as always, just with new people, new problems, new events. I've come to realize it'll always be that way, and to enjoy the moments where I'm not in constant euphoric or constant depressive states. I can't control those, I can only force myself to push through them and get help if needed. I've dealt with ongoing hallucinations. These can truly put someone in a bad place. They're traumatizing. No one should have to go through it. I've used multiple substances and continue to use them, because that's all I know as comfort. I know they aren't good for me, they're not good for anyone. People just don't understand that at desperate times people do things that they later regret and then get hooked on. I've managed these now and continue to decrease my usage with counseling and monitoring.
If this is my last update, yes, I'm still alive and doing alright. I am still very much open to talking to anyone who needs it. My snapchat is still the same. But if you are really struggling to the point of harming yourself and considering suicide, please get help if possible. I'm not a licensed therapist yet and legally cannot diagnose you or give you professional help. I can support you, give advice, and comfort you but I cannot give the same treatment as a licensed therapist. I do have experience with trauma and plan to be a social worker/therapist, but at the moment I am legally not considered a psychologist.
Please take care of yourselves,
Asher
@amandareid1112
I don't live in California
I'll inform you that's not where I reside
I'm just a tenant
Payin' rent inside this body and I
Got two windows
And those windows
Well, I call them my eyes
I'm just goin' where the wind blows
I don't get to decide
Sometimes I think too much
Yeah, I get so caught up
I'm always stuck in my head
I wish I could escape
I tried to yesterday
Took all the sheets of my bed
Then I tied up my linen with
Five strips of ribbon I found
Scaled the side of the buildin'
I ran to the hills till they found me
And they put me back in my cell
All by myself
Alone with my thoughts again
Guess my mind is a prison and
I'm never gonna get out
So they tranquilized me
Analyzed me
Threw me back in my cage
Then they tied me to an IV
Told me I was insane
I'm a prisoner
A visitor inside of my brain
And no matter what I do
They try to keep me in chains
Sometimes I think too much
Yeah, I get so caught up
I'm always stuck in my head
I wish I could escape
I tried to yesterday
Took all the sheets of my bed
Then I tied up my linen with
Five strips of ribbon I found
Scaled the side of the buildin'
I ran to the hills till they found me
And they put me back in my cell
All by myself
Alone with my thoughts again
Guess my mind is a prison and
I'm never gonna get out
Said even if it's true
No matter what I do
I'm never gonna escape
I won't give up on hope
Secure another rope
And try for another day
Said even if it's true
No matter what I do
I'm never gonna escape
I won't give up on hope
Secure another rope
And try for another day
Then I tied up my linen with
Five strips of ribbon I found
Scaled the side of the buildin'
I ran to the hills till they found me
And they put me back in my cell
All by myself
Alone with my thoughts again
Guess my mind is a prison and
I'm never gonna get out
@AlecBenjaminMusic
THE ALBUM IS COMING MAY 29TH !!! pre order here : https://alecbenjamin.lnk.to/TheseTwoWindowsID
@bluhamilton2485
Man I wish I had the money to preorder rn
@laurenb382
I love your music, please be safe right now.
@slugtwins3688
😷🦠Hi!!!
@irene6093
uwuwuwu i cant wait for ittt
@galemiller7422
these lyrics hit home! Found the song oh my God. by accident very talented kid ❤️ 🙏❤️
@AlecBenjaminMusic
these are some of the most personal lyrics i've ever written .. was very nervous to share them with you .. hope you like it and i hope that if you relate to it in some way it helps to know that you aren't alone !
@nursenkft9699
I love you
@user-sr6ho1ir9t
Amazing as always
@lucjax_X
Love this