They've gone from jamming at their mates' parties at 16 to selling out on headline tours.
Tyrants
Catfish and The Bottlemen Lyrics
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Where did you go, yeah where did you go?
Your eyes go to show
That it was so rare to see you sober
And so the streetlights would carry us home
And I spent my nights trying to get a grip of you
And I did my best to get my hands under your jacket
But your divine ribs would help break mine
We hit the ground so let's hit the ground
She said nothing's alright, believe me
I won't feel the same in the mornin'
She said nothing's alright, we're leavin
And I won't feel the same in the mornin'
Tyrants help build us
They won't mind throwin us away
Tyrants help build us
They won't mind throwin us away
Tyrants help build us
They won't mind throwin us away
Tyrants help build us
They won't mind throwin us away
The lyrics to Catfish And The Bottlemen's song Tyrants depict a fast-paced lifestyle of thrill-seeking and reckless habits. The singer describes a particular night where they were with someone who constantly lived their life in an intoxicated state. "Eyes rolled back guess we were living fast" alludes to the idea that the singer and this person were living life on the edge, seeking excitement in every moment. However, as the night progressed, the singer's interest in this person grew stronger, and they even tried to make a move on them. Despite their efforts, the person's intoxication prevented any form of intimacy - "your divine ribs would help break mine" - but they continued on with their night.
As the song progresses, the narrative takes a darker turn. The repetition of "nothing's alright," is a clear indication that there is something brewing beneath the surface of this seemingly fun-filled night. The woman the singer is with seems to have realized this and decides that it is time to leave, stating that nothing will be the same come morning. The repeated phrase "Tyrants help build us" suggests that the characters in the song are aware of their reckless and self-destructive behavior but continue to indulge in it because they believe that it makes them stronger. However, they also know that their actions will ultimately lead to their demise.
Interestingly, the song's title, "Tyrants," is never mentioned in the actual lyrics, yet it forms such a critical part of the narrative by appearing in the chorus. This song's lyrics are a commentary on the effects of living life in the fast lane, seeking excitement at whatever cost may come.
Line by Line Meaning
Eyes rolled back guess we were living fast
We were living recklessly, with abandon and without thinking ahead.
Where did you go, yeah where did you go?
You disappeared without a trace and I'm wondering where you went.
Your eyes go to show
That it was so rare to see you sober
And so the streetlights would carry us home
Your eyes revealed that you were usually drunk or high, which is why we relied on the streetlights to guide us home.
And I spent my nights trying to get a grip of you
And I did my best to get my hands under your jacket
So we could make a racket
But your divine ribs would help break mine
We hit the ground so let's hit the ground
I tried to get close to you and start something, but your rejection hurt me physically and emotionally. Let's just fall into this mess together.
She said nothing's alright, believe me
I won't feel the same in the mornin'
She said nothing's alright, we're leavin
And I won't feel the same in the mornin'
She admitted that things aren't going well and they need to leave. She knows that she'll feel different in the morning.
Tyrants help build us
They won't mind throwin us away
Tyrants help build us
They won't mind throwin us away
Tyrants help build us
They won't mind throwin us away
Tyrants help build us
They won't mind throwin us away
Those who control us and hold power over us may shape us into something better, but they could just as easily discard us when we're no longer useful. We're at their mercy.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Matthew Benjamin Blakeway, Robert Hall, Ryan Evan McCann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind