They Don't Know
Feather And Down Lyrics
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All of this thrown at me, sinking me neck deep in sand
They can't kill me no more, I don't know what to say 'cause it's lies
Lies
Underneath all this, they should see the man that I am
All of my life I've been tried and then persecuted
They can't kill me no more, I don't know what to say 'cause it's lies
Underneath all this, they should see the man that I really am
I've been tried and persecuted
Lies
Undenied
Cold shackles inches from the knife
I defy
What's mine shall be but nothing stands the time
Not surprised
It's the same to sleep as it is to rise
Lies
Undenied
Cold shackles on my hands, inches away
Death or life
Look deeply into my eyes
Fire on fire
Way to be and get a fucking ride
Some desire
A "fuck you" soars through the sky
Lies
The lyrics of Feather and Down's song They Don't Know convey a feeling of being constantly under attack while trying to uphold one's identity. The lines "Sometimes I feel like a man that has two broken hands/ All of this thrown at me, sinking me neck deep in sand" describe the weight of life that one carries, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. The artist then emphasizes that despite all of the challenges faced, the lies that others tell about them will not kill them, but it still hurts because it is a form of persecution.
Feather and Down's song They Don't Know highlight the issue of misperception from others. Often, people misjudge one's character based on the breaking news, rumours or shallow judgments, creating an unjust label that the person needs to carry around, regardless of actual reality. The artist's assertion that "Underneath all this, they should see the man that I am/All of my life I've been tried and then persecuted" suggests that there is much more than what we see in people, and that everyone has their unique story that should not be ignored.
In the last verse, Feather and Down reflect that the person's suffering is made more challenging because their difficulties are often held unreported, cold shackles inches from the knife. The subsequent verses detail how people would focus their attention on judging and attacking the artist, while failing to see the truth beneath their exterior; death or life, fire on fire, some desire. The song emphasizes how people's judgment can feel like an incomprehensible burden that "sinks one neck deep in sand," highlighting the importance of experiencing life that one desires, rather than focusing on others' judgment.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I feel like a man that has two broken hands
At times, I'm helpless and unable to control what's happening around me
All of this thrown at me, sinking me neck deep in sand
I feel buried and overwhelmed by everything coming my way
They can't kill me no more, I don't know what to say 'cause it's lies
I've been through so much that I'm numb to it all, but I know the lies being told to me
Underneath all this, they should see the man that I am
I hope others can see beyond my struggles to who I truly am
All of my life I've been tried and then persecuted
I've faced challenges and been unfairly judged throughout my life
Undenied
Without a doubt
Cold shackles inches from the knife
I feel trapped and threatened by danger all around me
I defy
I refuse to give up or succumb to the challenges
What's mine shall be but nothing stands the time
I believe my efforts and possessions are temporary and fleeting
Not surprised
I'm not taken aback by the struggles I'm facing
It's the same to sleep as it is to rise
Every day feels like a constant cycle of struggle
Cold shackles on my hands, inches away
I feel the weight of captivity and control, always close by
Death or life
I face the possibility of death or survival every day
Look deeply into my eyes
I want others to see the truth within me
Fire on fire
My passion and drive won't be extinguished
Way to be and get a fucking ride
I'll keep fighting and pushing forward no matter what
Some desire
Some people just want to bring me down
A 'fuck you' soars through the sky
I won't let their negativity bring me down; I'll keep rising up
Lies
The falsehoods and mistruths I face every day
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BERNARD JOHN FROST, BRIAN MCGEE, CHARLES BURCHILL, DEREK FORBES, FRANCIS ROSSI, JAMES KERR, MICHAEL JOSEPH MACNEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind