Stone was born in Chewelah, Washington, a small town about 45 minutes north of Spokane with a population of approximately 1,500 people. When Allen was 18, he moved from his home town to Spokane, Washington, where he attended community college for a semester followed by Bible School. Not long after, he moved to Seattle, Washington.
He has self-released two records, "Last To Speak" (2010) and the self-title sophomore release "Allen Stone" (2011).
On his self-titled sophomore album - an independent self-release which hit digital shelves October 4, Allen has pushed his sound and lyricism to a greater level of noted individuality. It touches upon a range of styles and themes. Integrating classic soul, catchy pop hooks, r&b beats and folk roots with lyrical matters of testimonial broken relationships, poisonous politics and the age-old topic of simple, pure celebration. Stone's music is notable for his ๏ฌnely crafted evocative songs and a fresh, smooth, soul-๏ฌlled voice-one that certainly belies his age.
Allen Stone has shot up the R&B/Soul charts on iTunes, peaking at the number 2 spot, and hit #29 and #62 on the Billboard Heatseekers and R&B/Hip Hop Album charts, respectively, and has garnered national praise - USA Today called him a "pitch-perfect powerhouse" - all without any support of a label, publisher, or publicist.
Stone's soulful sound has been compared to Stevie Wonder and Prince.
The Wire
Allen Stone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's a star and who's a tool?
And who's a genius and who's a fool?
Oh, who made up these rules?
Who wrote all of these laws?
When to spit and when to applaud?
What's up, the Devil and what's up, God?
'Cause I'm too tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I'm so tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
Who made up these rules?
Who's a star and who's a tool?
And who's a genius and who's a fool?
Oh, who made up these rules?
Who wrote all of these laws?
When to spit and when to applaud?
What's up, the Devil and what's up, God?
'Cause I'm too tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I'm so tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
'Cause I'm too tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I'm so tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
Allen Stone's "The Wire" expresses a sense of frustration and weariness with the societal rules and expectations that dictate human behavior. The lyrics pose a series of rhetorical questions about the origins of these rules, questioning who decides who is worthy of being labeled a star or a genius, and who enforces the regulations that determine when one should spit or applaud. The singer seems to feel trapped by the restrictions imposed upon him, obligated to repeatedly walk a tightrope with no room for deviation or error - either he is "ice" or he is "fire", with no in-between.
The repeated refrain of "who made up these rules?" emphasizes the arbitrary nature of the guidelines that guide our lives, and the singer's frustration with being forced to comply with expectations that may not align with his desires or values. It's a call for greater autonomy and a rejection of the societal pressures that stifle individual expression and creativity.
Overall, "The Wire" is a powerful commentary on the human experience and the often oppressive systems that define our lives. Its catchy melody and thoughtful lyrics make it a standout track on Allen Stone's eponymous 2011 album.
Line by Line Meaning
Who made up these rules?
The rules and expectations set by society are arbitrary, so who decided who is considered successful or not?
Who's a star and who's a tool?
Who decides who is socially valuable and who is not?
And who's a genius and who's a fool?
Who decides who is intelligent and who is not?
Oh, who made up these rules?
Who is responsible for creating the societal norms and expectations that individuals are supposed to follow?
Who wrote all of these laws?
Who created the rules and regulations that govern how individuals should behave?
When to spit and when to applaud?
Who decides when it's appropriate to act a certain way, and when it's not?
What's up, the Devil and what's up, God?
What is the point of praising or blaming supernatural beings when individuals should be responsible for their own actions?
'Cause I'm too tired of walking this wire
I am exhausted from trying to meet the expectations set by society.
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I am constantly being judged as either good or bad based on the societal rules and expectations.
I'm so tired of walking this wire
I am done with trying to meet societal expectations.
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I am constantly being judged as either good or bad based on the societal rules and expectations.
'Cause I'm too tired of walking this wire
I am exhausted from trying to meet the expectations set by society.
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I am constantly being judged as either good or bad based on the societal rules and expectations.
I'm so tired of walking this wire
I am done with trying to meet societal expectations.
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I am constantly being judged as either good or bad based on the societal rules and expectations.
Lyrics ยฉ Spirit Music Group
Written by: ALLEN NATHAN STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TANTI PIU
Lyrics :
Who made up these rules?
Who's a star and who's a tool?
And who's a genius and who's a fool?
Oh, who made up these rules?
Who wrote all of these laws?
When to spit and when to applaud?
What's up, the Devil and what's up, God?
'Cause I'm too tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I'm so tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
Who made up these rules?
Who's a star and who's a tool?
And who's a genius and who's a fool?
Oh, who made up these rules?
Who wrote all of these laws?
When to spit and when to applaud?
What's up, the Devil and what's up, God?
'Cause I'm too tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I'm so tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
'Cause I'm too tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
I'm so tired of walking this wire
I'm either ice or I'm fire
Renรฉ Rainer
Songwriting, singing and playing that really connects with my heart/soul! Pure therapy - thank you Allen Stone! โฅ๏ธ
Benjamin Gordon
Your voice has so much incredible character. I canโt stop listening to your music man.
Dr Souc Music
Awesome
Timj Accell
Man lifeโs been tough lately and Iโve had to be tougher, Allen Stoke this morning got me droppin tears. The realness, the truth, no stopping it. I needed some healing today I appreciate it!
watchNseeMe
One of my favorite songs ever. Being an Autism family, it connects so much for us. Trying to fall in line with societal norms... I finally just gave up. My son deserves to be himself. ๐
Shaun w
An so do you !! enjoy letting it go and taking in that breath of fresh air, deserved !!!!!!!!!!
Rootsoriginals
Beautifully said.
Eddie Word
This is amazing! Iโve been a fan for years, but I keep coming back to listen to this as much as I did with โUnawareโ. So much heart and soul in everything you make Allen ๐๐พ
Joel Perry
This song touched me. Iโve been sober for two years now but it reminds me of the wire I walked on trying to prove myself to people in early sobriety when I came out of treatment. Beautiful song and awesome talent!
Gail Gregory
Radius is one of my favorite album of Allenโs. Such great lyrics the talent is beyond.