Line & Sinker
Billy Talent Lyrics


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What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker
Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers
What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker
Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers

Today I don't feel pretty
And I'm tired of trying to fit right in
Don't think that you're so great
'Cause being great must suck
We don't always see the bright side
We all need ego suicide
You hung my id today
But I have licked my wounds and carried on

Everybody needs some sympathy
Santa seemed to miss my chimney
Reality is truly scaring me
So stand up straight and firmly say

What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker
Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers
What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker
Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers

My heart is in the right place
So wipe that smirk right off your face
Don't make me feel like that
'Cause that's just plain not nice
We don't always see the bright side
And I lied when I said I was fine
You slapped my face today
But I have licked my wounds and carried on

Everybody needs some sympathy
Santa seemed to miss my chimney
Reality is truly scaring me
So stand up straight and firmly say

What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker
Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers
What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker
Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers

Everybody needs some sympathy
Santa seemed to miss my chimney
You stole my luck from me
And now my fortune cookie's empty
'Cause you came and you stole it all from me
So stand up straight and firmly say

What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker
Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers
What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker




Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers

Overall Meaning

The song "Line & Sinker" by Billy Talent is about the struggles of trying to fit in and be accepted by society. The lyrics suggest that people are often quick to judge others and overlook their positive qualities, and instead choose to focus on their flaws and weaknesses. The chorus "What you see is what you get, fishing for the answers with a line and sinker" refers to the idea that people are only interested in superficial appearances and are not willing to look deeper to understand the true nature of a person. The verses go on to address the isolation and uncertainty that can accompany this constant criticism, and encourages listeners to stand up for themselves and demand respect.


The first verse highlights the physical and emotional pain that can come from being judged and criticized. The line "hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers" could be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling powerless and unable to take control of one's own life. The second verse addresses feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to conform to societal norms, as well as the difficulty in asking for help or sympathy when going through difficult times. The bridge of the song features the repeated line "everybody needs some sympathy," suggesting that even those who appear to have everything figured out can still struggle behind the scenes.


Overall, "Line & Sinker" is a powerful commentary on societal pressure and the importance of self-acceptance and self-respect.


Line by Line Meaning

What you see is what you get (don't you know?)
You're looking for clues, but the obvious answer is staring you in the face.


Fishing for the answers with a line and sinker
Searching for answers, but the search itself is causing more problems.


Look at me and don't forget (don't you know?)
Pay attention to me, I need your help but I don't know how to ask for it.


Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers
Mental and emotional pain is preventing me from taking control of my life.


Today I don't feel pretty
I'm not feeling my best today, my self-esteem is low.


And I'm tired of trying to fit right in
I'm exhausted from pretending to be someone I'm not, just to fit into society's expectations.


Don't think that you're so great
I'm tired of you acting superior and putting me down.


'Cause being great must suck
Being superior doesn't always mean true happiness, so stop acting like it does.


We all need ego suicide
Sometimes we need to let go of our egos and self-importance to truly connect with others.


You hung my id today
You are attacking the very core of who I am, causing me pain and confusion.


But I have licked my wounds and carried on
Despite the struggles, I've persevered and continued to move forward.


My heart is in the right place
I have good intentions and care about others, despite my flaws.


So wipe that smirk right off your face
Stop mocking me and take me seriously.


And I lied when I said I was fine
I said I was okay, but I'm really not.


You slapped my face today
You have hurt me deeply through your actions or words.


And now my fortune cookie's empty
My hope and optimism for the future has disappeared.


'Cause you came and you stole it all from me
Your negative influence has taken away my sense of hope and joy.


Everybody needs some sympathy
We all need understanding and compassion from others.


Santa seemed to miss my chimney
I feel like I've been forgotten or ignored by those who should care about me.


Reality is truly scaring me
The harshness of reality is causing me fear and anxiety.


So stand up straight and firmly say
Take a stance and be strong in the face of adversity.


Hard to get a grip with all these broken fingers
Mental and emotional pain is preventing me from taking control of my life.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Aaron Solowoniuk, Ben Kowalewicz, Ian D'sa, Jon Gallant

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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