What You See
Down And Outs Lyrics


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Tell Me What you See
You always talk in secrets
It’s a world you only know
You say you’ve been to a different place
behind the big screen door
I asked where you going
you said maybe to Spain
to spend your on the telephone
making love inside the rain
but you forgot the number
and threw away the key
locked inside in a citadel
alone just you and me

Tell me, tell me what you see
tell me what you see

I saw you just last weekend
you’re always on the go
Clothes you wear
are a fashion show
You’re such a part of the status vogue
I know just what you’re after
the stuff that’s made in dreams
All night long is a serenade
Two thousand tambourines
Go marching past your window
parading in the streets
dominoes falling one by one
until you’re fast asleep

Tell me, tell me what you see
tell me what you see
What you see, what you see, what you see,what you see





Tell me, tell me what you see, tell me what you see

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of “What You See” by Down And Outs describe a world plagued by inequality and prejudice. The song begins with a white man inviting a black man to a place “not in heaven and hell” where lies rule over truth. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and frustration with the way society is structured. The chorus, “What you see, I love me,” is an expression of self-love and self-acceptance in a world that constantly judges people based on their skin color, appearance or social status.


The second verse highlights the discrimination that people face based on their looks, race or social status, and how they are judged by others. The lyrics emphasize that despite differences in background or appearance, everyone deserves equal treatment and respect. The bridge of the song is a call to break down barriers and the fences that divide us, and to embrace the pain that comes with it. The song ends with a plea to be loved and accepted for who someone is rather than being judged based on society's norms.


The song deals with themes of inequality, discrimination, and self-acceptance. The lyrics call for breaking down barriers and embracing differences to create a more equitable world. The song’s message is powerful and resonates with anyone who has experienced discrimination based on their skin color, social status, or appearance.


Line by Line Meaning

White man said to the black man poor
A white man approached a black man who was poor


Why don't you come and open my little door
The white man offered to take the black man somewhere


I'll take you to a place not in heaven and hell
The place the white man is offering is beyond the physical realm


Where the biggest lies will all wait
The place the white man is offering is full of deception and falsehoods


Truth in motion, big commotion
Despite the lies, there is still a fight for truth


The world as it turns in liberal devotion
The world is changing and becoming more progressive


Left turn right turn no turn at all
People are lost and unsure which direction to take


Rich man poor man under the law
People of all financial statuses are held accountable for the law


Ugly, pretty, white or black
No matter what someone looks like, they are not defined by their appearance


You're not from the same side of the track
Society often separates people based on superficial qualities


That's right for your little mind
This way of thinking is small and ignorant


Your pointing and raging all the time
People often get angry and blame others for things they cannot change


Invitation only you weren't invited
Society is exclusive and not every person is invited to participate


With a 9mm it seems you've decided
Some people resort to violence to get what they want


Blow away pretty, blow away rich,
These acts of violence are targeted toward anyone who is perceived as having advantages


Blow away your girl because she's a fucking bitch
Even intimate relationships are not immune to this kind of violent behavior


What you see
This phrase is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the themes


I love me
Despite the chaos and madness, the singer finds love within themselves


Opposite sides of the street we live
People often live at opposite ends of the spectrum in society


But the fence in the middle no one could build
Even with our differences, we are all human and cannot be separated


That high, individually, you're running away
Despite our unity, some people still choose to isolate themselves


But coming to see, the pain from inside
This isolation is often caused by internal struggles and anguish


Live on the outside free from you but you can't
People can exist independent from others, but it doesn't mean they are truly free


Love me, hate me, hate me some more
People's emotions are often strong and at odds with one another


Slam my face to the fucking door
People can be vicious toward one another




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ralph Stanfield, John Overton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

wolfie da brony

Found this on Spotify AND I CANT STOP HEARING THIS!!!

Thomas Miani

I am so in love with this song ! The theme, the beat, the guitar parts, the singing. EVERYTHING IS JUST PERFECT ! Can't wait to hear more !!!!!! Well done The Bad Chapter !

Rui Carneiro

Phil is just amazing, Jesus.

joe treetop

Just waiting for the day a new album gets released by these guys, because this is something that needs to get known.

Tan Huynh

This is awesome! I just really hope they get the recognition they deserve. Phil brings something new to the genre every time he's in a band but they never blow up. He deserves to be as big as say Memphis May fire and Sleeping With Sirens has got'n imo.
This ep is really good but imagine the albums to come. It could be amazing!

Marv Stanick

I've been waiting for this for too damn long
It's about time Phil came back

Teh Lordii

Awesome track can't wait for the album.

Lucas Manzi

This is just insane!
I Am Abomination tier, but with a different perspective. Totally amazing!

Tina Long

THIS IS AMAZING!!!!! <3

Wiggly Ninja

literally can't go a day without listening to this song... I hope these guys are at warped tour

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