Parasites
Family and Friends Lyrics

Oh persistence prolonged
The struggle to change oneself is a continuous and lasting effort.

I've been writing these songs about righting my wrongs
The songwriter is reflecting on the mistakes they've made and seeking to make amends, as evidenced in their music.

Temptation to test my resolve
The songwriter is experiencing a temptation to revert back to their old ways and test their newfound dedication to self-improvement.

The craving had left but never had gone
Despite the songwriter's efforts to move on, their desire to indulge in self-destructive behaviors still lingers beneath the surface.

These thoughts, they keep me awake
The songwriter's inner turmoil is preventing them from finding peace and rest.

Try to move on, just keep running in place
Despite the songwriter's efforts to progress, they feel stuck and unable to truly move forward.

Like a sickness that I could not shake
The songwriter is comparing their persistent negative thoughts and behaviors to an illness that won't go away.

Swallowing lies like medicine and wait for them to take
The songwriter is acknowledging that they often believe and internalize their own lies as a form of coping or self-delusion.

Never gonna change, never gonna change, never gonna change, we're never gonna change, never gonna change, never gonna change
Despite acknowledging their desire to change, the songwriter fears that they will never truly be able to overcome their flaws.

(I can change, my wanting ways, breaths left to take, make sure they don't go to waste)
Despite their fears of being unable to change, the songwriter remains hopeful and committed to striving towards self-improvement.

Close your eyes, listen close
The songwriter is urging the listener to really focus and concentrate on the lyrics and message of the song.

Hear the distant echoes of a life unknown
The songwriter is acknowledging the unknown and unpredictable nature of life, and the fact that it can be difficult to know what the future holds or what path to take.

In lies yet there's truth to be told
Despite the songwriter's tendency to deceive themselves, they acknowledge that there are still kernels of truth in their experiences that are worth acknowledging.

I guess faking blind is just one way to cope
The songwriter is admitting that their tendency to deceive themselves is ultimately a form of coping with the difficulties and challenges of life.

Oh how the wanting endures
The songwriter is reflecting on how powerful and persistent their desires and temptations can be, even in the face of their commitment to change.

Clear the smoke from my lungs, still the cough cant be cured
The songwriter is hoping to rid themselves of the negative influences and habits that have affected them, but recognizes that there may be lasting effects or consequences.

You play with fire, you're gonna get burned
The songwriter is acknowledging that their past behaviors and attitudes have led to negative consequences, and that continuing down that path will only lead to further pain and regret.

You're gonna get what you deserve
The songwriter is resigned to the fact that their past actions have consequences, and that they will have to face those consequences, whether good or bad.

They say we're never gonna change, never gonna change, never gonna change, we're never gonna change, never gonna change, never gonna change
The songwriter recognizes that other people may not view their commitment to change as genuine, and may not believe that they can truly change.

Yes it's true I've been seeing ghosts
The songwriter is acknowledging their tendency to dwell on past experiences and relationships, and to let those negative influences continue to haunt them.

Of the you I used to know
The songwriter is specifically referring to a past relationship, and the person they used to be when they were with that person.

Speaking through the dial tone
The songwriter is reflecting on how technology and communication can allow people to connect and communicate even when they are physically distant or no longer in each other's lives.

Reflections in my windows
The songwriter is describing how they see their own past experiences and relationships reflected in their surroundings and environment.

My whole life
The songwriter is reflecting on their entire existence and the experiences that have shaped them.

Spent passive
The songwriter has often been passive and hesitant to take control of their own life and direction.

Just passing time
The songwriter often feels like they are just going through the motions of life without any real direction or purpose.

Stoic and stagnant
The songwriter tends to be emotionally detached and unresponsive, and has not experienced much change or growth in their life.

Idle for a sign
The songwriter is waiting for some sort of inspiration or direction to come to them, rather than actively seeking it out.

Like a child believes in magic
The songwriter is acknowledging their own naivete and tendency to believe in things that may not be realistic or attainable.

Or some naive rationale
The songwriter tends to use simplistic or unrealistic justifications for their behaviors or decisions.

To keep these feelings captive
The songwriter is admitting that they tend to bottle up their emotions and keep them hidden away, rather than expressing them or letting them guide their decisions.

All my friends say that I have changed, tell me how do you explain,
The songwriter is acknowledging that their friends and acquaintances have noticed a change in their behavior and attitude, but they are unsure how to describe or explain that change.

Their lives take forward course and shape, while I've remained in the same damn place
The songwriter is comparing their own lack of progress or growth to the success and achievement of their peers, and feeling left behind.

Just keep speaking what you're told to say, fit the mold and play it safe, mark these words upon my grave, "he is not what he became"
The songwriter is critical of the societal pressure to conform and fit in, and the idea that people should suppress their true selves in order to succeed or belong.

We are the choices we make I've heard,
The songwriter is reflecting on the idea that our lives and personalities are directly shaped by the decisions we make and the paths we choose to take.

The chances we take I've learned
The songwriter recognizes that taking risks and stepping outside of one's comfort zone is necessary for growth and progress.

The fears that we face, the lessons learn from our mistakes
The songwriter recognizes that fear and failure are natural and necessary parts of the growth process, and that we can learn and grow from our mistakes.

There was something in her eyes, I could not place
The songwriter is describing a feeling of uneasiness or confusion when looking into someone's eyes, though they are not sure why they feel that way.

A feeling from inside, she could not fake
Despite the ambiguity or uncertainty of the situation, the songwriter is certain that the other person's feelings were genuine and authentic.

No matter best I try, I am never as good as the way she says my name
The songwriter is reflecting on a past relationship or encounter where someone made them feel confident and valued, even though they may not believe those things about themselves.

I will be good with just being ok
The songwriter is acknowledging that they may never be perfect or truly overcome their flaws, but they are content to strive towards a state of basic contentment and peace.

All my life
The songwriter is reflecting on their entire existence and the experiences that have shaped them.

Cynicism
The songwriter tends to be skeptical and critical, especially towards authority or societal norms.

Made its way from my lips into my Bloodstream
The songwriter's cynical attitude and perspective has become so ingrained in their thinking that it affects every aspect of their life.

Like parasites
The songwriter is comparing their cynical tendencies and negative attitudes to a parasitic relationship, where those tendencies continue to feed off of and drain their mental and emotional energy.

Suffering symptoms
The songwriter is acknowledging the negative effects that their cynical thinking and attitudes can have on their mental and emotional well-being.

So long now it seems this sickness is a part of me
The songwriter has been struggling with their cynical tendencies and negative attitudes for so long that they feel like they have become intrinsic and inseparable from their personality.

I will be good,
The songwriter is committing to a future of self-improvement and personal growth.

But I can be better,
The songwriter acknowledges that there is always room for improvement and growth, no matter how good or accomplished they may become.

And I will rid of you like a matchstick to the gasoline
The songwriter is determined to overcome and eliminate their negative tendencies and attitudes, even if it requires drastic or drastic measures.

The flames will rise
The songwriter is anticipating a moment of intense change or transformation, where they will be able to let go of their negative habits and attitudes and truly move forward.

And burn my eyes
The songwriter is acknowledging that the process of transformation and growth will be painful and uncomfortable, but necessary.

I put my faith in a fallacy
The songwriter is acknowledging that they may have been misguided or unrealistic in their beliefs or expectations, and need to reframe their mindset in order to truly grow and change.

I will be good, but I could be better
The songwriter is acknowledging that they are capable of much more than their current state, and committing to ongoing growth and improvement.

(I can change, my wanting ways, breaths left to take, make sure they don't go to waste)
The songwriter is repeating their commitment to changing their ways and making the most of the time they have left, by seizing every opportunity and taking every chance to grow and improve.

I will be good but I could be better if I tried
The songwriter is recognizing that true growth and change requires effort and dedication, and committing to striving towards self-improvement.

If I was anyone else this would not be a crime
The songwriter is acknowledging that their flaws and negative tendencies are part of their unique personality, and that in a different context or environment, they might not be viewed as negative.