Seeing Red
Architects Lyrics

The lyrics of Architects' song "Seeing Red" discuss themes of mental health, the pressure to conform to societal expectations, and the criticisms faced by individuals in the public eye. The opening lines, "Rent free living in your head, 'R.I.P' they commented, I felt it when they said, (We only ever love you when you're seeing red)," suggest that the artist feels constantly scrutinized and judged by others, with their thoughts and comments occupying space in the artist's mind. The phrase "seeing red" can be interpreted as being in a state of anger or frustration, which is when they receive attention and love from others.

The following lines, "You oughta know that I'm like a broken machine, I'm not as bulletproof as you all paint me to be," reveal a vulnerability beneath the artist's public image. Despite being perceived as strong and invincible by others, the artist acknowledges their own struggles and limitations. They question why people expect them to constantly express anger or frustration ("Why do you want me to scream?"), suggesting that society often expects artists to embody certain emotions for their entertainment.

The lyrics continue, "Are you a junkie punk medicating for free?," implying that some individuals in the public eye are only valued when they fulfill specific roles or personas expected by society. The artist questions whether people's fixation on their expression of anger or frustration is just a form of escapism or entertainment for them. The lines "(We're all you need), (We'll make you royalty), (We'll be the best of enemies)" further explore the idea that the artist is both desired and despised by the public, with the artist being forced into a role for the sake of others' entertainment.

The chorus emphasizes the artist's frustration with the public's lack of understanding and their tendency to judge without truly comprehending the artist's beliefs or intentions. They express a desire for someone to help them understand what they truly believe, as they feel misunderstood and even compared to the Anti-Christ. The subsequent section addresses the artist's detachment from the pressure to conform, stating "No debts, all love, I don't give a fuck, My head, my heart wouldn't be enough." This reflects the artist's choice to prioritize self-love and authenticity over others' expectations.

The lyrics also criticize the audacity and cowardice of those who hide behind their online personas to criticize and threaten others. The line "You dummies only live (on the internet)" exposes the harsh reality that some people's entire existence is based on online interactions, lacking genuine human connection or understanding.

In the final section, the artist questions how they are supposed to maintain their mental well-being while being constantly judged and criticized. They sarcastically ask, "Heaven burning bright, you've really gotta wonder how I sleep at night," implying that the pressure is so intense that it affects their ability to find inner peace. The repeated plea, "Won't somebody tell me what I believe?" reflects the artist's yearning for genuine guidance and support, rather than judgment and criticism.

The song concludes with the powerful line, "All eyes on me, what I believe," emphasizing the weight of being in the public eye and the struggle to maintain individual beliefs and values while under constant scrutiny. Overall, "Seeing Red" delves into the challenges faced by artists and public figures in maintaining their sense of self in the face of societal expectations and judgements.