1928
Arthur H & Nicolas Repac Lyrics
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Preoccupied with his vengeance
Cursing the dead that can′t answer him back
You know that he has no intentions
Of looking your way, unless it's to say
That he needs you to test his inventions
Hey, come crawl out your window
How can you say he will haunt you?
You can go back to him any time you want to
He looks so truthful, is this how he feels?
Trying to peel the moon and expose it
With his businesslike anger and his bloodhounds that kneel
If he needs a third eye he just grows it
He just needs you to talk or to hand him his chalk
Or pick it up after he throws it
Hey, please crawl out your window
Oh, use your hands and legs, it won't ruin you
How can you say he will haunt you?
You can go back to him any time you want to
He look so righteous while your face is so changed
As you sit on the box you keep him in
While his genocide fools and his friends rearrange
Their religion of the little ten women
That backs up their views but your face is so bruised
Come on out, the dark is just beginning
Hey, please come out your window
Oh, use your arms and legs, it won't ruin you
How can you say he will haunt you?
When you can go back to him any time that you want to
You′ve got a lot of nerve to say you are my friend
If you want to come out your window
Yeah, just come out your window
Oh my
The lyrics of Arthur H & Nicolas Repac's song "1928" describe a man who is consumed by his anger and vengeance, to the point of living in a self-imposed "tomb" as he plots his revenge against those who have wronged him or are no longer able to answer for their actions. Despite his single-minded focus, he relies on the singer to test his inventions or pick up his chalk. The singer addresses the man, encouraging him to crawl out of his window and embrace life and freedom, assuring him that returning to the man's influence is always an option.
The singer paints a picture of two opposing forces: the man's intense anger and bitterness, which is juxtaposed with the singer's more carefree, hopeful outlook on life. Although the man appears to be truthful, he is driven by a twisted sense of justice that leads him to view those around him as potential targets for his rage. The singer is aware of this and entreats the man to leave his self-imposed prison behind and embrace the light.
The song can be interpreted in many ways, but at its core, it is a plea for forgiveness and redemption. It reveals the many ways in which we can become trapped by our own anger and desire for revenge, and it implores us to break free from that cycle and embrace the freedom and joy that comes with forgiveness and release.
Line by Line Meaning
He sits in your room, his tomb, with a fist full of tacks
He resides in a space that's become a prison for him, tightly wound and holding onto the misplaced anger that he's directing towards others.
Preoccupied with his vengeance
His thoughts and energy are completely consumed by the desire to get revenge.
Cursing the dead that can′t answer him back
He's lashing out at people who are no longer alive because they can't defend themselves against his words.
You know that he has no intentions
It's apparent to those around him that he's not thinking clearly and is blinded by his obsession with revenge.
Of looking your way, unless it's to say
He's unlikely to pay attention to anyone but himself unless it's to use them in some way, possibly to further his own twisted goals.
That he needs you to test his inventions
He may try to involve others in his schemes, using them to test out his ideas or do his dirty work.
Hey, come crawl out your window
The singer is urging someone to take action and break free from the situation that's holding them back.
Use your hands and legs, it won′t ruin you
There's no real risk involved in making a change and taking steps to improve your life.
How can you say he will haunt you?
There's no reason to fear the unknown, or what might happen if you step away from the status quo.
You can go back to him any time you want to
There's always a way to return to what's familiar, but you won't know until you try what could be waiting for you outside of your comfort zone.
He looks so truthful, is this how he feels?
The person in question may seem convincing or trustworthy at first glance, but it's important to question whether or not their actions line up with their words.
Trying to peel the moon and expose it
This person may be attempting the impossible or trying to change things that can't be altered, like the phases of the moon.
With his businesslike anger and his bloodhounds that kneel
This person is angry and calculating, using others to do his bidding and carrying out his plans with cold efficiency.
If he needs a third eye he just grows it
This person is constantly evolving and looking for new ways to see and understand the world, even if it means growing an extra eye.
He just needs you to talk or to hand him his chalk
This person doesn't see others as equals but instead as tools to be used for his own benefit, whether it's to have someone to talk to or to retrieve an item for him.
Or pick it up after he throws it
Even when this person is done using something or someone, he still expects them to clean up after him and take care of his messes.
He look so righteous while your face is so changed
This person may view himself as moral or just, while those around him suffer and change for the worse because of his actions.
As you sit on the box you keep him in
The person being addressed may be confining this other person in some way or holding onto something that's preventing them both from moving forward.
While his genocide fools and his friends rearrange
This person is surrounded by others who are also taking destructive actions, even if they don't fully understand the consequences of their decisions.
Their religion of the little ten women
These people may be following a harmful or oppressive belief system, possibly one that centers around women as inferior or subservient.
That backs up their views but your face is so bruised
Even though the artist is hurt and struggling, those around him continue to support the same harmful beliefs and behaviors.
Come on out, the dark is just beginning
Instead of staying stuck in a harmful situation, the artist is urging others to take action and face the unknown, even if it's scary or intimidating.
Hey, please come out your window
The singer is once again urging someone to take action and break free from their limitations.
Oh, use your arms and legs, it won't ruin you
There's no harm in trying something new and breaking away from what's holding you back.
How can you say he will haunt you?
There's no reason to fear the unknown or what might happen if you leave what's familiar behind.
When you can go back to him any time that you want to
It's always possible to return to what's familiar, but you won't know what else is out there until you try.
You′ve got a lot of nerve to say you are my friend
The singer is confronting someone who may have betrayed or misled them, angry that they would even claim to be a friend.
If you want to come out your window
Despite being hurt or disappointed, the artist still wants this person to break free from their limitations and do what's best for them.
Yeah, just come out your window
It's not too late to make a change and take control of your life.
Oh my
This exclamation could convey surprise or disbelief at the situation, or it could be an indication of something else going on.
Writer(s): Robert Dylan
Contributed by Miles F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.