Red
Frank Bell Lyrics
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You're burning my soul
I know you're no good
I'm not in control
This experience, consequence
It's eating me whole
Digging deeper and deeper
I close my eyes
While reality flies
In darkness as it all unfolds
We've been here before
Where's there's nothing in store
As time bleeds away
The red stains on the floor
I take 5 steps back
Try my hardest to hold on
It hasn't been that long
It's still so clear
As the day that I died
The extremes that I take
Try to stay wake
Just to fall back asleep
In this dream
Sink into bliss
An abandoned abyss
Where I turn back the clock
Hide the silent screams
You've got me confused
As to who's being used
Deep in my skin
You've been slowly crawling in
We've been here before
Where's there's nothing in store
As time bleeds away
The red stains on the floor
I take 5 steps back
Try my damndest to hold on
It hasn't been that long
I take 5 steps back
Try my damndest to hold on
It hasn't been that long
It's still so clear
As the day that I died
The lyrics to Frank Bell's song "Red" describe a relationship that is toxic and hard to extricate oneself from. The singer is aware that the person they are involved with is not good for them, but they feel as though they are not in control of their own actions. The experience of being with this person is taking a toll on the singer's emotional and mental wellbeing, and they feel as though they are digging themselves deeper into a hole.
The singer tries to distance themselves from the situation by taking a step back and attempting to hold on to their own agency. However, the memories of this person and their relationship are still clear in the singer's mind and feel as though they are just as vivid as the day that they "died," possibly referring to the end of the relationship.
The lyrics also create a somber atmosphere, using imagery of "red stains on the floor" to connote a sense of violence or pain. The repetition of the phrase "We've been here before, where's there's nothing in store" adds to the feeling of being stuck in a cyclical pattern, unable to break free.
Overall, the song "Red" is a poignant reflection on the difficulties of letting go of a toxic relationship and the lasting effects it can have on one's psyche.
Line by Line Meaning
It's so hard to let go
The process of moving on is difficult
You're burning my soul
Your actions are causing me immense emotional pain
I know you're no good
I am aware that you are a negative influence in my life
I'm not in control
I feel powerless and unable to change my situation
This experience, consequence
These events are having a negative impact on me
It's eating me whole
It's consuming me completely
Digging deeper and deeper
The situation is getting worse the more I dwell on it
Into the unknown
I'm unsure of what to do or where to go next
I close my eyes
I am trying to escape reality for a moment
While reality flies
While things continue to happen around me
In darkness as it all unfolds
I am emotionally struggling while everything falls apart
We've been here before
I have faced similar situations in the past
Where's there's nothing in store
There is no positive outcome to be found
As time bleeds away
As the moments pass
The red stains on the floor
The lingering effects of negative experiences
I take 5 steps back
I am trying to distance myself from the situation
Try my hardest to hold on
I am attempting to stay grounded and not give up
It hasn't been that long
Even though it feels like forever, this struggle is relatively recent
The extremes that I take
I am going to great lengths
Try to stay wake
I am trying to stay alert and not let my guard down
Just to fall back asleep
Despite my efforts, I still end up losing the fight
In this dream
In this nightmare-like reality
Sink into bliss
Giving up and allowing myself to get lost in the negative feelings
An abandoned abyss
A lonely and dark place with no escape
Where I turn back the clock
Wanting to go back and change what has already happened
Hide the silent screams
Trying to keep my negative emotions from being fully expressed
You've got me confused
You're making it hard for me to distinguish reality from fiction
As to who's being used
I am unsure if you are taking advantage of me or if I am the one using you
Deep in my skin
Your presence is deeply affecting me
You've been slowly crawling in
Your negative influence has been gradually taking over my life
Try my damndest to hold on
I am giving it my all to stay strong
It's still so clear
The negative emotions and experiences are still raw and powerful
As the day that I died
As if I have already experienced the ultimate pain and destruction in my life
Writer(s): Tom Gorman, Tanya Donelly Copyright: Mercer Street Songs, Songs Of Polygram Int. Inc., Slow Dog Music
Contributed by London P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tim Cain
This song should have gotten some major air play!!! Love the tone.
Liz_DFTBA
You totally need a million dollar contract!!! Your music is geneous. I've never heard anyone with as much musical talent and creativity in my life.
letsstartariot44
This song is just... wow. It's so beautiful. I'm working on writing original songs myself. You've inspired me to keep working (even though I suck like horribly, ahaha) Great job. You so need a record deal.
Schmitty
I know the echo effect was unintentional, but I have to say, it really added something to your voice. You're really good, keep it up, buddy!
Corey Johnson
Awesome mate, This is my favorite song of yours. You deserve a record deal or something along those lines. Keep up the good work, We all will follow my friend.
savent420
4 years later and this is still one of my favorites.
hesham8
From what I've seen from your MySpace, website, and YouTube videos, you're a very smart person with an unrivaled flare of creativity, talent, and originality. By the way, the simple metaphorical symbolism you use in your journal entries is just...breathtaking. I'll be following you till "the day that I die."
letsstartariot44
God i seriously love this song, its like... my anthem. it just describes how my life has been going lately. Great job, keep on writing!
ZJX
I think this is one of your best songs. Keep up the amazing work, and congratulations on all of your work, it's just as amazing.
paloudoud
Wow man !! you have a great voice !! and the lyrics and the music are absolutely breathtaking ! one of the best songs i've ever heard, thank you so much for this !