Fallible
Blues Traveler Lyrics

With an air of indignation
The singer notes the presence of a haughty attitude in someone else.

Smiles a painted porcelain face
The singer describes the striking, mask-like appearance of the person they see.

And we're supposed to trust this
The singer questions the reliability of someone who presents themselves in such an artificial, calculated manner.

Decorum has its place
The artist acknowledges the value of manners in certain situations.

But you and I beyond that
The artist asserts they are above superficial, insincere behavior.

With a question I might ask
The singer hints at challenging the authority or legitimacy of the aforementioned individual.

How suddenly the smile doth crack
The singer suggests that underneath the facade of the other person lies flaws that will eventually manifest themselves.

When we slip beneath the mask
The artist believes that genuine human interactions require vulnerability and authenticity, rather than pretense.

And they're fallible
The artist acknowledges that other people are capable of making mistakes and being imperfect, just like themselves.

Yeah they're fallible
The artist emphasizes that humans cannot expect perfection from anyone.

And we hold up a mirror
The singer suggests that we judge others based on our own personal standards and beliefs.

And we hate what we see
The artist reflects on how difficult it can be to accept our own shortcomings and imperfections.

And we keep on trekking westward
The singer reminds us that we continue to move forward and seek progress despite our flaws and imperfections.

Infallibly
The singer repeats this word to emphasize the idea of unwavering persistence despite human fallibility.

God I want to touch you
The singer expresses a deep desire for emotional intimacy with another person.

In the place you want to hide
The artist wishes to connect with the other person on a level that they may not share with others, to gain deeper insight into their true self.

Dare you to come after me
The artist challenges the other person to take risks and push past their fears in the pursuit of closeness.

Commit my "narcisside"
The singer playfully invents a term to describe their own tendencies towards self-centeredness, perhaps as a way to acknowledge and release them.

Punishing the guilty
The singer introduces the topic of moral accountability and consequence, but with a twist.

Was never the intent
The artist reiterates that they have no desire to punish or blame anyone for their flaws or shortcomings.

I just busted out of prison baby
The artist uses a metaphor to describe their own personal growth and liberation from negative patterns and limiting beliefs.

That's really where I went
The artist highlights that personal change comes from within, and that they have found a new path for themselves.

And I'm fallible
The singer affirms their own humanity, and willingness to make mistakes and learn from them.

Yeah I'm fallible
The artist repeats the line from earlier to reinforce the idea that they are not perfect.

And we hold up a mirror
The singer reminds us that our judgments of others are still a reflection of ourselves in some way.

And we hate what we see
The singer acknowledges that facing one's own flaws can be a difficult and unpleasant process.

And we keep on trekking westward
The singer encourages us to continue moving forward, despite the discomfort and uncertainty of self-reflection.

Infallibly
Once again, the artist repeats this word to emphasize the idea that we should persist in our journey towards self-understanding and growth.

In the name of all the power
The artist invokes a sense of universal responsibility and authority, perhaps referencing an idea of divine justice or morality.

That's centered in your hand
The singer suggests that individuals have the power to create change and shape their own lives and destinies.

If you crave some revolution
The singer challenges listeners to consider what they truly desire and believe in, and to take action towards creating change.

Take possession of your stand
The artist encourages people to take ownership of their beliefs and values, and to defend them courageously.

It's the only one you'll get to make
The artist reminds us that each person has a unique perspective and path, and must ultimately make their own choices in life.

In a moment come and gone
The artist emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and the importance of acting decisively and mindfully in the present moment.

So do your best to stay awake
The singer encourages listeners to remain alert and conscious of their choices, rather than acting on autopilot or blindly following others.

And own the path you're on
The artist summarizes their message by advocating for personal responsibility and authenticity, urging listeners to take control of their lives and embrace their fallibility as a necessary part of the journey.