Good Cop Bad Cop
Barriers Now Bridges Lyrics


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You can hide behind your sicknesses and make a list of all there names
they were excuses to hide behind when apologies fell short
well that's the story of your life it's titled "tragedy"
nobody's buying
nobody cares
because the smoke still lingers on from all the bridges that you burnt
but that's all your fault
so if the noose is around your neck
maybe this time kick the chair
and put on a show for all the people




who couldn't care any less
do them all a favor

Overall Meaning

In "Good Cop Bad Cop," Barriers Now Bridges discusses the concept of taking responsibility for one's actions. The opening verse expresses a sense of frustration towards someone who repeatedly uses their personal struggles as an excuse for their behavior. They have a "list" of their illnesses, and use them to deflect blame when they fall short in accepting responsibility for their actions. However, the song emphasizes that this behavior only adds to the "tragedy" of their life, as nobody is willing to sympathize or excuse their actions anymore. The title of their story is "Tragedy," but nobody cares about it. The bridges they've burned are an emblem of the consequences of their previous actions.


The chorus brings a sense of finality to the situation. The message they want to convey is simple - if you are at the end of your rope, don't make a big deal of it. Being stuck in a cycle of blaming others and never reaching a point of acceptance not only affects the individual, but also those around them. The repeated line "do them all a favor" implies that the person should take responsibility for their actions in a final act - this could either be by making any necessary apologies or leaving the situation and starting anew. The message is harsh, but it emphasizes that the cycle of excuses and denial cannot go on forever. The song encourages taking ownership of one's mistakes before the other choice is no longer an option.


Line by Line Meaning

You can hide behind your sicknesses and make a list of all there names
You often use your illnesses as excuses for your behavior and keep a mental record of them.


they were excuses to hide behind when apologies fell short
These illnesses often serve as a backup excuse when simple apologies are not enough.


well that's the story of your life it's titled 'tragedy'
You have an endless cycle of unfortunate situations in your life, with each one being labeled as a tragedy.


nobody's buying
People no longer believe or accept your excuses and lies.


nobody cares
People have stopped paying attention to your actions and choices.


because the smoke still lingers on from all the bridges that you burnt
You have created irreversible damage in your relationships with others due to your past actions.


but that's all your fault
You are solely responsible for the consequences of your actions.


so if the noose is around your neck
If you are in an unfavorable situation.


maybe this time kick the chair
Instead of wallowing in self-pity and trying to blame others, take responsibility for your actions and do something about it.


and put on a show for all the people
Make a change that will be visible and noticeable to those around you.


who couldn't care any less
Despite feeling disconnected from others and their opinions, still make the effort to better yourself.


do them all a favor
Be a better person not only for yourself, but also for those around you.




Contributed by Isaiah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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