River Below
Billy Talent Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Rejected since day one
My name is bastard son
I've been damned so many times I've lost count
Blue collar, working man
Devises master-plan
Bipolar with a mental side arm

I'm sick and I'm twisted
I'm broken, you can't fix it
Don't make me, 'cause I'll do it
Red button and we'll all go

Into the river below, I'm running from the inferno
They'll think I'm insane, but you'll all know my name
Into the river below, I'm running from the inferno
I'll take all the blame, the front page, and the fame

Contraption made up of
Nuts and bolts creates the
New monster, burn your family tree down
Tick-tocking, time's up now
Split second, the world frowns
Lonely heart, never had nobody

I'm sick and I'm twisted
I'm broken, you can't fix it
Don't make me 'cause I'll do it
Red button and we'll all go

Into the river below, I'm running from the inferno
They'll think I'm insane, but you'll all know my name
Into the river below, I'm running from the inferno
I'll take all the blame, the front page, and the fame
I'll take all the blame, the front page, and the fame

Into the river below

Into the river below

Into the river below

Into the river below

Into the river below, I'm running from the inferno
They'll think I'm insane, but you'll all know my name
Into the river below, I'm running from the inferno
I'll take all the blame, the front page and the fame
Yeah, I'll take all the blame, the front page and the fame

But you'll all know my name
And they'll think I'm insane




But you'll all know my name
And they'll think I'm insane

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Billy Talent's song "River Below" convey the story of a rejected and damned individual who has never had anyone and has bipolar disorder. This person is seemingly at the end of their rope and contemplating taking extreme action by pressing the red button to destroy everything and jump into the river below to escape the inferno. The individual is not concerned about being judged and ridiculed for their actions because they believe they will finally be recognized and remembered for their name, whether as a hero or villain.


The song is a powerful depiction of the struggles and desperation that people who feel rejected and forgotten can experience. It highlights how even the smallest act of recognition can go a long way to restore a sense of purpose and significance. The song also calls attention to mental health and the tendency of society to stigmatize those who suffer from mental illness, leading many to feel like outcasts.


Line by Line Meaning

Rejected since day one
From the very beginning, I have been unwanted and not accepted by society.


My name is bastard son
I am an illegitimate offspring with a name that reflects that.


I've been damned so many times I've lost count
I have been cursed and condemned too many times to even keep track.


Blue collar, working man
I am a working-class person who relies on labor to make a living.


Devises master-plan
I create elaborate schemes to achieve my goals.


Bipolar with a mental side arm
I have bipolar disorder and a weaponized mind that can be dangerous.


I'm sick and I'm twisted
I am mentally ill and disturbed.


I'm broken, you can't fix it
I am damaged beyond repair and cannot be helped.


Don't make me, 'cause I'll do it
Do not provoke me, because I am capable of committing harmful acts.


Red button and we'll all go
Pushing a metaphorical red button could lead to everyone being destroyed.


Into the river below, I'm running from the inferno
I am fleeing from a situation that will lead to destruction and chaos.


They'll think I'm insane, but you'll all know my name
Others will believe I am crazy, but I will become well-known.


I'll take all the blame, the front page, and the fame
I will accept responsibility for the negative consequences and receive attention for it.


Contraption made up of
A device created from various materials.


Nuts and bolts creates the
Using nuts and bolts puts together the


New monster, burn your family tree down
A new entity has been created that will destroy your lineage and history.


Tick-tocking, time's up now
Time is running out, and a deadline is imminent.


Split second, the world frowns
In only a moment, everything seems to go wrong.


Lonely heart, never had nobody
I have always been alone and have never had anyone by my side.


Yeah, I'll take all the blame, the front page and the fame
I will bear the responsibility for the negative consequences and receive attention for it.


But you'll all know my name
Despite being blamed, I will become well-known.


And they'll think I'm insane
Others will believe I am crazy.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions