Broke City (is) Joel Pack-vocals/guitar; The Rob-drums; Ryan Sanders-guitar; Jeremy Conder-bass
INSOMNIA
Broke City Lyrics
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Holding my breath, I'm counting one to ten
False witnesses sport their sickness
They don't care, don't mind their business
Don't let them change your mind
I'll keep my anger to myself
Don't save your social life for someone else
On couches following a dream
What if this don't mean anything?
Sometimes the dirty work just keeps us breathing
I've said that there's no answer
Still getting nowhere faster
I won't let them change my mind
It's all in here
Insomnia
The song "Insomnia" by Broke City appears to reference a state of mental distress that keeps the singer up all night. The opening lines suggest that something repetitive and frustrating is happening repeatedly - perhaps a fight with someone or a repetition of negative thoughts - that leaves the singer feeling trapped ("holding my breath") and anxious ("counting one to ten"). The "false witnesses" who "sport their sickness" could represent people in the singer's life who are trying to manipulate or harm them, or it could be a more metaphorical reference to the ways in which we sometimes allow others' negative energy to affect our own well-being. The repeated refrain "don't let them change your mind" seems to emphasize the need for the singer to maintain their own perspective, even in the face of external pressures.
The second verse touches on themes of isolation and disillusionment. The singer suggests that they are choosing to keep their emotions to themselves ("I'll keep my anger to myself"), but also notes that this means they have to miss out on socializing with others ("don't save your social life for someone else"). The lines "I'm reading headlines on the ceiling / on couches following a dream" suggests that the singer may be lying awake at night, unable to sleep, and allowing their mind to wander aimlessly. The question "what if this don't mean anything?" could suggest that the singer is questioning the purpose of their own life and wondering if their current state of restlessness and anxiety has any meaningful purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
So here we go the rounds again
Starting from scratch and going through the same cycle again
Holding my breath, I'm counting one to ten
Feeling anxious and trying to calm down by counting slowly
False witnesses sport their sickness
People who lie and gossip are only revealing their own flaws and issues
They don't care, don't mind their business
These people are not concerned about the harm they cause to others and should focus on their own affairs
Don't let them change your mind
Don't let negative influences persuade you from your beliefs and values
I'll keep my anger to myself
Rather than lashing out, I'll handle my emotions on my own
Don't save your social life for someone else
Don't rely on another person to create your social circle for you
I'm reading headlines on the ceiling
I'm distracted by my own thoughts and worries even when trying to relax
On couches following a dream
Daydreaming or fantasizing as an escape from reality
What if this don't mean anything?
Questioning the purpose and value of one's efforts and actions
Sometimes the dirty work just keeps us breathing
Doing difficult tasks that seem meaningless can still give us purpose and keep us going
I've said that there's no answer
Acknowledging that some problems may not have a clear solution or explanation
Still getting nowhere faster
Despite trying to move forward quickly, progress is not being made
I won't let them change my mind
Reinforcing the idea that external influences will not sway personal beliefs and decisions
It's all in here
The turmoil and struggles are all happening internally
Insomnia
The song is about the sleeplessness that comes with anxiety and circular thinking
Contributed by Kylie J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.