Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying
Fall Out Boy Lyrics
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But we never stood a chance
And I'm not sure if it matters
If you are the shores, I am the waves begging for big moons
I'm mailing letters to addresses in a ghost town
(Your secret's out)
I know this hurts, it was meant to (it was meant to)
And it's mind over you don't, don't matter
This has been said so many times that I'm not sure if it matters
But it must be said again that all us boys are just screaming
Into microphones for attention
Because we're just so bored
We never knew that you would pick it apart, oh
I'm falling apart to songs about hips and hearts
(Your secret's out)
I know this hurts, it was meant to (it was meant to)
Your secret's out and the best part is it isn't even a good one
And it's mind over you don't, don't matter
I used to obsess over living,
Now I only obsess over you
Tell me you'd like boys like me better
In the dark lying on top of you
(This has been said so many times that I'm not sure if it matters)
I know this hurts, it was meant to (it was meant to)
Your secret's out and the best part is it isn't even a good one
And it's mind over you don't, don't, don't, don't matter
From day one I talked about getting out
But not forgetting about how my worst fears are letting out
He said why put a new address
On the same old loneliness
When breathing just passes the time
Until we all just get old and die
Now talking's just a waste of breath and living's just a waste of death
And why put a new address on the same old loneliness
And this is you and me
And me and you until we've got nothing left
The song Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying by Fall Out Boy is packed with raw emotion and an intense sense of desperation. The lyrics are both pessimistic, discussing the pointlessness of trying, and optimistic, pointing out that the only choice is to keep persevering. It is as if the band is trying to convey a sense of importance and urgency that is lacking in modern society. The repetition of the phrase "This has been said so many times that I'm not sure if it matters" suggests a world weary band that feels as though nobody is listening.
The lyrics question the idea that we are really in control of our lives. For example, the lines "If you are the shores, I am the waves begging for big moons" convey the idea that we have little say in our own lives, as we are subject to the whims of larger forces. The line "We never stood a chance" is similarly bleak, suggesting that life's outcomes are largely predetermined.
The song is also deeply personal, with the lines "I used to obsess over living, now I only obsess over you" indicating that the lead vocalist's relationship is consuming his every thought. The theme of loneliness is also pervasive throughout the song, with lines like "why put a new address on the same old loneliness" suggesting that there is no escaping our own internal turmoil.
Overall, Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying is a complex, introspective song that explores themes of existentialism, desperation, and the futility of our actions. It is a powerful reflection on the human psyche and the struggle to keep going despite the overwhelming odds.
Line by Line Meaning
This has been said so many times that I'm not sure if it matters
The message has been repeated so much that it has lost its significance
But we never stood a chance
There was little hope for our success
And I'm not sure if it matters
I'm uncertain if it holds any importance
If you are the shores, I am the waves begging for big moons
You are the foundation, and I crave your support
I'm mailing letters to addresses in a ghost town
I'm expressing myself to an empty place with no response
(Your secret's out)
I've discovered your hidden truth, and I'm exposing it
I know this hurts, it was meant to (it was meant to)
The pain you feel was intentional
And the best part is it isn't even a good one
The revelation is lackluster
And it's mind over you don't, don't matter
The idea you don't matter is all in your head
Because we're just so bored
We lack stimulation
We never knew that you would pick it apart, oh
We didn't realize you would scrutinize it
I'm falling apart to songs about hips and hearts
Romantic music is breaking me down, emotionally
I used to obsess over living, now I only obsess over you
You have become my sole fixation
Tell me you'd like boys like me better in the dark lying on top of you
I desire your physical affection
From day one I talked about getting out
I always dreamed of escaping
But not forgetting about how my worst fears are letting out
I can't ignore my deepest anxieties
He said why put a new address on the same old loneliness
Why attempt a change when I'm still unhappy?
When breathing just passes the time until we all just get old and die
Our existence is short and fleeting
Now talking's just a waste of breath and living's just a waste of death
Communication and life seem pointless
And this is you and me and me and you until we've got nothing left
We will continue to stand together until the end
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW HURLEY, ANDREW JOHN HURLEY, JOSEPH TROHMAN, JOSEPH MARK TROHMAN, PATRICK STUMP, PATRICK MARTIN STUMP, PETER WENTZ, PETER LEWIS WENTZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind