Outsiders
Franz Ferdinand (Viña 2006) Lyrics
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But we're still outsiders
If everybody's here
Then hell knows
We ride alone
I've seen some years
But you're still my Caesar
I feel you've already been here
The only difference is all I see is now all that I've seen
It's bright on the outside
The bright love the dark side
I know it's obvious
But sometimes
You just have to say it
So you don't feel so weak
About being such a freak
Or alone
In seventeen years
Will you still be Camille
Lee Miller, Gala or whatever
You know what I mean, yeah
Love'll die
Lovers fade
But you still remain there
Squeezing in your fingers
What it means for me to be
The only difference is what might be is now what might have been
When you saw me sleeping
You thought I was dreaming of you
I didn't tell you
That the only dream
Is Valium for me
The only difference is that
What might be is now
what might have been
The song Outsiders by Franz Ferdinand talks about the feeling of being an outsider and how it can make someone feel lonely and disconnected from the world around them. The opening lines, 'We've seen some change, but we're still outsiders,' convey a feeling of detachment and separation, even though there has been progress in society. The lyrics emphasize the idea that even if everyone else is present and seems to belong, some people still feel alone and isolated.
The song's chorus talks about the bright outside and the love for the dark side, possibly suggesting that being an outsider may not be easy, but it's a preferable alternative to conforming and sacrificing one's uniqueness. The lyrics also touch on the idea that one might feel weak and like a freak for being different and that sometimes it's essential to acknowledge and vocalize these feelings, as it can help one feel less isolated.
The song's darker parts reflect on the idea of time and how things change, but some things remain unchanged, like how some people remain outsiders. The reference to famous women like Camille and Lee Miller may suggest the idea of artistic and intellectual outsiders who made significant contributions to their fields but were never fully accepted into the mainstream.
Line by Line Meaning
We've seen some change
Although we've experienced progress in the world, we still feel like outsiders who don't fully belong.
But we're still outsiders
Despite any changes, we still feel like we exist outside the norm of society.
If everybody's here
If everyone is a part of society and feels at home, then it's hard to fit in as an outsider.
Then hell knows
It's difficult to find a place to belong as an outsider, and it's unclear how to navigate this challenge.
We ride alone
As outsiders, we often feel like we have to navigate the world on our own without the support of a community or group.
I've seen some years
I've lived through some experiences and gained some perspective on the world.
But you're still my Caesar
Despite time passing, you still hold a significant place in my heart and my life.
With everything I feel
With all the emotions I experience in life.
I feel you've already been here
I feel like you understand the things I'm going through, because you've experienced similar circumstances in the past.
The only difference is all I see is now all that I've seen
The only difference between my current perspective on life and my past experiences, is that I now understand that everything that I've seen in the past helps inform my present.
It's bright on the outside
Society and public perception can often be very optimistic and positive.
The bright love the dark side
Bright, optimistic people often have a fascination or draw towards the darker parts of life.
I know it's obvious
I understand that this isn't a surprising sentiment or observation.
But sometimes
At times, it's important to state the obvious.
You just have to say it
Sometimes it's necessary to articulate a truth, even if it's already well-known or understood.
So you don't feel so weak
By stating something that everyone already knows or believes, it can help reinforce our understanding and make us feel more secure about our convictions.
About being such a freak
As an outsider, it can often feel like our different perspectives or styles make us stand out or appear strange compared to others.
Or alone
Being an outsider can often feel lonely and isolating.
In seventeen years
Forecasting a time seventeen years in the future.
Will you still be Camille
Will you still be the person you are now, with the same traits and values.
Lee Miller, Gala or whatever
Referencing other famous people from history who are well-known for their unique perspectives or outsider status.
You know what I mean, yeah
You understand the sentiment being expressed and can connect with it.
Love'll die
Love can often be fleeting and temporary.
Lovers fade
Relationships can often lose their intensity or passion over time.
But you still remain there
Despite these changes and challenges, you still hold a significant place in my heart and my life.
Squeezing in your fingers
Holding onto something tightly, trying to keep it from fading away.
What it means for me to be
Understanding and appreciating the importance that a person or thing has in your life.
The only difference is what might be is now what might have been
The only difference between what I hoped for in the past, and what I currently experience, is that my hopes have changed over time.
When you saw me sleeping
Referencing a moment in the past when someone observed the singer while they were resting.
You thought I was dreaming of you
The observer assumed that the dreamer was thinking of them while they rested.
I didn't tell you
Contrasting the assumption with reality, where the dreamer did not actually have those thoughts or dreams.
That the only dream
The only thing that the dreamer truly fantasizes or hopes for.
Is Valium for me
Taking medication for anxiety or depression, as a way of coping with emotional pain or discomfort.
The only difference is that
The one and only difference between the observer's assumptions and reality.
What might be is now
What was once a possibility or dream for the future, is now a reality in the present moment.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IAN HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind