Pitiful
Failure Lyrics


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Down by the railroad tracks I will enjoy you
Can't feel a single thing that won't fade away
We'll laugh like we always do when we hear the whistle
So high and satisfied, let's sleep for a spell

Pitiful laughable, once again silent
You're pitiful laughable, once again silent
Down at the carpet shop you want to cut me
The patterns are laughing out, I know it's not fair
Go ahead roll me up in your detachment
I'm here to decorate your fear for awhile

You want to hold on to me, I want to hold out on you




That's what you'll tell yourself as I fade away
Into your isolation

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Failure's song "Pitiful" are mysterious and ambiguous, but upon closer examination, they seem to be describing a dysfunctional relationship. The first stanza refers to a couple spending time near railroad tracks, where they can't feel any pain or sadness. They are enjoying each other's company, laughing together, and feeling high and satisfied. The phrase "let's sleep for a spell" suggests that the couple wants to escape from their problems and responsibilities and take a break from reality, but the implication is that this escapism is temporary and ultimately futile.


The second stanza takes place at a carpet shop, where the couple's communication has broken down. The patterns in the carpet seem to mock and laugh at them, highlighting the absurdity of their situation. The singer suggests that the other person wants to "cut" him or her, which could be interpreted in multiple ways - either as a physical or emotional attack, or as an attempt to sever the relationship altogether. The singer acknowledges that he or she is "here to decorate [the other person's] fear for awhile," which implies that they are caught up in a cycle of manipulation and control. The final lines suggest that the two people have different expectations and desires, leading to a sense of isolation and disconnection.


Overall, "Pitiful" seems to be expressing a sense of disillusionment and despair with a relationship that has turned toxic. The characters are clinging to each other despite their differences, knowing deep down that their connection is fragile and transient. The imagery of trains and carpets hints at a larger context of modern life, where people are constantly on the move and struggling to find meaning and connection in a fragmented world.


Line by Line Meaning

Down by the railroad tracks I will enjoy you
Together, in a secluded area, I will derive pleasure from your company


Can't feel a single thing that won't fade away
I am numb to everything, including any emotions that may have been temporary


We'll laugh like we always do when we hear the whistle
Our laughter will be routine when we hear the familiar sound of the train whistle


So high and satisfied, let's sleep for a spell
We are content in our state of intoxication and would like to rest for a while


Pitiful laughable, once again silent
I am at a point where my behavior is pathetic and even my laughter has become silent


You're pitiful laughable, once again silent
You have also become pitiful and even your laughter has become silent


Down at the carpet shop you want to cut me
You are trying to harm me when we are together at the carpet store


The patterns are laughing out, I know it's not fair
The designs on the carpet resonate with laughter, making me feel like the universe is mocking me


Go ahead roll me up in your detachment
You are so indifferent towards me that it feels like you are wrapping me up and keeping me at a distance


I'm here to decorate your fear for awhile
I am a temporary distraction from your anxieties and fears


You want to hold on to me, I want to hold out on you
You desire a significant connection with me, but I am hesitant and non-committal


That's what you'll tell yourself as I fade away
You will try to justify my departure as my fault, but I am simply losing interest in you


Into your isolation
I am leaving you alone in your own isolation and detachment




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GREG EDWARDS, KEN ANDREWS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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