Brain
Jillian Rose Banks, known mononymously as Banks (stylized in all caps), is … Read Full Bio ↴Jillian Rose Banks, known mononymously as Banks (stylized in all caps), is an American singer and songwriter. Following the release of two EPs, Fall Over and London, in 2013, Banks released her debut album, Goddess, in 2014 to positive reviews from contemporary music critics. It reached number 12 on the US Billboard 200, while its most successful single, "Beggin for Thread", was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her second studio album, The Altar, was released in September 2016 to a similar positive reception, becoming her second top 20 album in the United States. Her third album, III, was released in 2019. It became her most critically acclaimed release to date and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200, as well as number 3 on the Top Albums Sales chart.
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Brain
Banks Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

But it's all the same
I could have foreseen
That you would act like you are
Oh so cool you seem
Blending with that scene
Wearing what you think is hard

I can see you struggling
Boy, don't hurt your brain
Thinking what you're gonna say
'Cause everything's a game
Always trying to calculate
Trying to look smart but not too smart
To threaten anything they say

But it's all the same
I could have foreseen
That you would act like you are
Oh so cool you seem
Blending with that scene
Wearing what you think is hard

I can see you struggling!
Boy, don't hurt your brain!
Thinking what you're gonna say!
'Cause everything's a game!
Always trying to calculate!
Trying to look smart but not too smart
To threaten everything they say!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Banks's song "Brain" highlight the frustration and the futility of trying to fit in with a certain crowd. The song seems to be directed towards someone who is struggling to impress those around them, trying to be perceived as cool and gaining acceptance. The lines "But it's all the same, I could have foreseen that you would act like you are, oh so cool you seem, blending with that scene, wearing what you think is hard" reflects the idea that most people conform to a stereotype or are trying to blend in with the crowd, struggling to show their true selves.


The chorus, "I can see you struggling, boy, don't hurt your brain. Thinking what you're gonna say, 'cause everything's a game. Always trying to calculate, trying to look smart but not too smart, to threaten anything they say" signifies the constant pressure of having to calculate one's words, actions, and appearance in order to fit in or be accepted. Banks captures the futility and mental strain in trying to please others, and how it can be draining, hence the repeated refrain of "boy, don't hurt your brain."


Overall, "Brain" is a powerful commentary on societal pressure and the struggle to be oneself in the face of conformity. The lyrics urge the listener to be true to themselves, to not worry about conforming and to not hurt themselves in the process of trying to fit in.


Line by Line Meaning

But it's all the same
The situation hasn't changed


I could have foreseen
I knew what was going to happen


That you would act like you are
You're playing a part


Oh so cool you seem
You appear detached and disinterested


Blending with that scene
You're fitting in with the crowd


Wearing what you think is hard
You're trying to look tough


I can see you struggling!
I can tell you're having a hard time


Boy, don't hurt your brain!
Don't overthink it


Thinking what you're gonna say!
Trying to come up with the right thing to say


'Cause everything's a game!
Everyone's playing a role


Always trying to calculate!
Trying to figure out the best move


Trying to look smart but not too smart
Trying to come across as intelligent but not intimidating


To threaten everything they say!
To avoid challenging what others are saying




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Henry Lauffer, Jillian Rose Banks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@OliviaDT

Lyrics:
But it's all the same
I could have foreseen
That you would act like you are
Oh so cool you seem
Blending with that scene
Wearing what you think is hard

I can see you struggling
Boy, don't hurt your brain
Thinking what you're gonna say
Cause everything's a game
Always trying to calculate
Trying to look smart but not too smart
To threaten anything they say

But it's all the same
I could have foreseen
That you would act like you are
Oh so cool you seem
Blending with that scene
Wearing what you think is hard

I can see you struggling
Boy, don't hurt your brain
Thinking what you're gonna say
Cause everything's a game
Always trying to calculate
Trying to look smart but not too smart
To threaten everything they say



All comments from YouTube:

@savannahrae9238

Banks makes me wanna sob, drink a whole bottle of rum and then go slap the fuck out of my ex. God. I love her.

@bowflexman3485

*cum

@leonardocosta2456

i feel the exact same way.

@cruisy5377

Jesse McKay OH MY

@joellen1on1

Savannah Rae don't do it!!! I did! I ended up naked passed out in his yard.

@karlareyes2149

JoEY Bouyer girl what the hell!!

4 More Replies...

@andre8458

One of the most sensual and intense songs I've ever heard

@lorealcartwright5312

Omg......g

@desireeorozco9686

Yaaaassss!!!

@XXXTHREAT

That's an interesting take, I wouldn't go that far but she's the bomb fo sure

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