The Difference
Go for Broke Lyrics


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Always saying how you're willing to change
Open minded (but) with decisions made
you're looking away and shutting your ears
when I'm say something you don't want to hear
STAND UP - Stand by your beliefs
SPEAK OUT - Say what's on your mind
When things no longer are what they used to be
I suppose you're nowhere to be seen
I guess it's different between now and then
I guess you'll change, once again




STAND UP - Stand by your beliefs
SPEAK OUT - Say what's on your mind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "The Difference" by Go for Broke speak to the frustrating experience of dealing with someone who claims to be open-minded but is actually stubborn in their beliefs. The singer of the song is addressing this person directly, expressing their disappointment that despite their professed willingness to change, they seem to be stuck in their ways. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song: "Always saying how you're willing to change / Open-minded (but) with decisions made." This person may talk a lot about being open to new ideas, but their actions suggest otherwise.


The frustration boils over in the chorus, which urges the person to stand up and speak out for their beliefs instead of just paying lip service to the idea of change. The lines "When things no longer are what they used to be / I suppose you're nowhere to be seen" suggest that this person may only stick around when things are going their way, and will disappear at the first sign of conflict or resistance. The final lines of the chorus express a sense of resignation: "I guess it's different between now and then / I guess you'll change, once again." Despite the disappointment, the singer seems to hold out hope that this person may eventually change their tune.


Overall, "The Difference" is a powerful statement about the importance of following through on one's professed beliefs, and the frustration that comes with dealing with someone who claims to be open-minded but is actually closed off to new ideas.


Line by Line Meaning

Always saying how you're willing to change
You frequently express your willingness to modify your behavior.


Open minded (but) with decisions made
Even though you claim to be receptive to new ideas, you've already made up your mind.


You're looking away and shutting your ears
You avoid eye contact and block out what I'm saying when I express unwelcome opinions.


When I'm say something you don't want to hear
You become disinterested in the conversation when I say something that conflicts with your views.


STAND UP - Stand by your beliefs
Have the courage to defend your convictions.


SPEAK OUT - Say what's on your mind
Be confident and vocal about expressing your thoughts and feelings.


When things no longer are what they used to be
When the situation changes significantly,


I suppose you're nowhere to be seen
I imagine that you will be absent or disengaged from the issue at hand.


I guess it's different between now and then
I realize that there is a contrast between past and present behaviors.


I guess you'll change, once again
I anticipate that you will alter course, as you have in the past.




Contributed by Hunter S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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