Sandpaper Tongue
Field Theory Lyrics
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I have no control over you
I can't believe you said what you said
As far as I'm concerned
You blast off at the mouth
You don't care who you crush
I can't believe you said what you said
All you do is talk real tough, so why do you treat me this way
I'll cut you out
I'm through with you
The lyrics of Field Theory's Sandpaper Tongue narrate a story of a toxic relationship where one party feels completely powerless while the other one continues to hurt them with their words. The opening line suggests that the partner being addressed has a strong will, most likely one that is incompatible with the singer's needs, leading to a lack of control over them. The singer is unable to come to terms with the fact that their partner has said something hurtful enough to end their relationship, leading to an angry and bitter tone throughout the lyrics, which are peppered with words like 'blast off, talk tough, and cut you out.'
The song paints a vivid picture of a partner who doesn't care how their words affect the other person. All the while, the singer remains riddled with anguish over feeling powerless and hurt. The last line is especially important as it highlights the singer's transformation from being under the thumb of someone who hurts them, to taking control of the situation by cutting off ties entirely. The use of abrasive metaphors like sandpaper tongue adds to the song's overall theme of inflicting emotional pain.
Line by Line Meaning
You have a mind of your own
I acknowledge that you are an independent and autonomous individual capable of forming your own thoughts and ideas.
I have no control over you
I recognize that I cannot influence or dictate your actions or decisions.
I can't believe you said what you said
I am taken aback by the words that you have spoken and find them difficult to accept as true.
As far as I'm concerned
In my opinion or from my perspective.
We're through
Our relationship or association has come to an end and there is no possibility of continuation.
You blast off at the mouth
You speak in a loud, forceful and often aggressive manner that can be perceived as disrespectful or hurtful.
You don't care who you crush
You express yourself without concern for how your words or actions might adversely affect those around you.
All you do is talk real tough, so why do you treat me this way
Your words imply a sense of strength or bravado that is at odds with the way you are acting towards me. I am confused about why you are treating me poorly.
I'll cut you out
I will sever all ties and connections with you, as I feel that our relationship has become unhealthy or detrimental to my well-being.
I'm through with you
I have had enough of our relationship and have decided to end it completely and permanently.
Contributed by Kennedy Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.