On Line
Gnarls Barkley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on the line
Once I clean my mirror
I'm a be feeling fine
Trying to get there is
All that's on my mind
When I'm on the line
With a smile on my face
It ain't easy, naw it ain't easy
Feel like the life of the party
But its all in your mind
On the line
I'm on the line
I'm on the line
Once I clean my mirror
I'm a be felling fine
Even when you falling
Just pretend your flying
When ya on the line
I'm with everybody but I'm still alone
Just look down that's my line your standing on
Lets keep it friendly and well be just fine
But don't cross that line
The song "On Line" by Gnarls Barkley is a reflective song that centers around the concept of being on the line. The line can be interpreted in various ways, including the boundary between in control and losing it, sanity and madness, as well as the boundary between life and death. The central message of the song is that navigating through life can be challenging and it's important to remain focused to get through it successfully.
The opening lines, "I'm on the line, I'm on the line, Once I clean my mirror, I'm a be feeling fine," is a metaphorical description of being on the line between losing and holding onto one's sanity. The persona sees their reflection in the mirror and realizes that they have to clean it to see things clearly. They believe that once the mirror is clean, they will feel better and be able to stay on the line. The persona acknowledges that trying to stay on the line is all they can think about.
The following lines, "Even though I run my race, With a smile on my face, It ain't easy, naw it ain't easy, Feel like the life of the party but it's all in your mind," emphasizes the struggle of trying to appear okay while fighting internal battles. The persona is running their race and trying to maintain a positive outlook, but it's not easy. They believe that their outward disposition might make people think that they are the life of the party, but in reality, it's just a front. The line "But it's all in your mind" is a reminder that the battle might be happening within the persona's head.
Overall, "On Line" explores complex ideas that serve as a reminder that everyone is facing their battles, and it's important to remain strong through them.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on the line
I am in a difficult position
I'm on the line
I am in a difficult position
Once I clean my mirror
Once I deal with my own problems
I'm a be feeling fine
I will feel better
Trying to get there is
My goal is to reach a better state of mind
All that's on my mind
I can't focus on anything else
When I'm on the line
In my current state of mind
Even though I run my race
Although I live my life at my own pace
With a smile on my face
Appearing happy to others
It ain't easy, naw it ain't easy
It's not as easy as it looks
Feel like the life of the party
Seem like I am always having fun
But its all in your mind
But it's just an illusion to maintain appearances
On the line
In this difficult state of mind
I'm on the line
I am in a difficult position
I'm on the line
I am in a difficult position
Once I clean my mirror
Once I deal with my own problems
I'm a be felling fine
I will feel better
Even when you falling
Even if you are struggling
Just pretend your flying
Just keep a positive attitude
When ya on the line
In this difficult state of mind
I'm with everybody but I'm still alone
I am surrounded by people, but I still feel lonely
Just look down that's my line your standing on
Be aware of my feelings
Lets keep it friendly and well be just fine
Let's avoid conflict and everything will be okay
But don't cross that line
But don't make things worse by pushing me too far
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BRIAN JOSEPH BURTON, THOMAS CALLAWAY, THOMAS DECARLO CALLAWAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ChaosUnown
This is a great song, and I always love it when chill songs use that spritely flute sound. That's one of my many favorite elements in music.
OuterSpace90
i hear you man
MyFriendIsaac
One of my FAVORITE songs ever 🎧🔥👏🏾
TherealMrKen
I would give my left arm for one more Gnarls Barkley album
FU Tub3
This one was great but The Odd Couple was just okay.
James Rustle
4 years later I feel you son
SPAWK
@FU Tub3 nah nah nah nah this just my opinion but there both amazing in there own respect st.elsewhere is a melancholy Pop album that’s more focused on the hole pop song structure and the odd couple is a pure heart string album that focuses on more darker themes with heavy hitting instrumentals .. I strongly encourage you to listen to the odd couple again because it’s a truly amazing album.
my other account HEHE XD
@SPAWK THANK YOU!!
Eddie Bailey
Favorite song on the whole album
Randy G
so many great tracks. "The last time" is mine