Smoke and Mirrors
Gotye Lyrics


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You're a fraud and you know it
But it's too good to throw it all away
Anyone would do the same
You've got 'em going
And you're careful not to show it
Sometimes you even fool yourself a bit
It's like magic
But it's always been a smoke and mirrors game
Anyone would do the same

So now that you've arrived well you wonder
What is it that you've done to make the grade
And should you do the same?
(Is that too easy?)
Are you only trying to please them
(Will they see then?)
You're desperate to deliver
Anything that could give you
A sense of reassurance
When you look in the mirror

Such highs and lows
You put on quite a show
All these highs and lows
And you're never really sure
What you do it for
Well do you even want to know?
You put on quite a show

(Mother)
Are you watching?
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)

You're a fraud and you know it
And every night and day you take the stage
And it always entertains
You're giving pleasure
And that's admirable, you tell yourself
And so you'd gladly sell yourself
To others

(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?

Such highs and lows
You put on quite a show
All these highs and lows
And you're never really sure
What you do it for




Well do you even want to know?
Yeah you put on quite a show

Overall Meaning

"Smoke and Mirrors" by Gotye is a song that speaks to the idea of imposter syndrome in the entertainment industry, although it can be broadly applied to any profession where one's identity is so closely tied to their work. The lyrics describe the feeling of being a fraud who has been able to achieve success through deception, and the constant pressure to maintain the illusion. The singer acknowledges that they're not alone in feeling this way, and that anyone in their position would likely do the same. The highs and lows of performing and the fleeting feeling of validation it brings are explored.


The lyrics show an awareness of the character the performer has become and how they often rely on the temporary validation offered by their audience or adoration of their fans to feel any sense of assurance. The pressure to perform is so great that they often relinquish their very selves in service to others. The repeated mentioning of "Mother" in the song implies searching for a sense of validation from one's originator, or even the impulse to protect oneself by separating art from the personal self.


In short, "Smoke and Mirrors" is a song about the tension between one's public and private selves, the pressure to maintain a persona, and the acknowledgement of an artist's sense of guilt for allowing themselves to be consumed by it. It serves as both a warning and empathetic message to those who find themselves struggling in a similar situation.


Line by Line Meaning

You're a fraud and you know it
You feel like an imposter and know that you're not as good as you appear to be


But it's too good to throw it all away
You have achieved great success and don't want to lose it all


Anyone would do the same
Others in your position would act similarly


You've got 'em going
You have convinced others of your talent and are winning them over


And you're careful not to show it
You try to conceal your doubts and fears


Sometimes you even fool yourself a bit
You pretend to be more skilled than you are, and sometimes you even believe it


It's like magic
Your success seems almost supernatural


But it's always been a smoke and mirrors game
Your success relies on tricks and deception


So now that you've arrived well you wonder
Despite your success, you question whether you truly deserve it


What is it that you've done to make the grade
You question the actions that led to your success


And should you do the same?
You're unsure if you should continue taking the same actions or try something different


(Is that too easy?)
You question whether what you're doing is too simple or not enough


Are you only trying to please them
You wonder if your actions are motivated by a desire to impress others


(Will they see then?)
You question whether your efforts will result in others noticing and valuing your work


You're desperate to deliver
You feel a great responsibility to continue performing at a high level


Anything that could give you
You're willing to do anything to maintain your success


A sense of reassurance
You seek comfort in knowing that you're still valued


When you look in the mirror
You question your own worth and talent


Such highs and lows
Your emotions are constantly fluctuating between pride and doubt


You put on quite a show
Your public persona is very different from your private self


All these highs and lows
You experience a range of emotions as you maintain your facade


And you're never really sure
You question whether your actions are genuine or just for show


What you do it for
You're unsure of the motivation behind your actions


Well do you even want to know?
You wonder if it's better not to know the truth behind your success


(Mother)
You seek your mother's approval and validation


Are you watching?
You address your mother as a symbol of approval and support


You're giving pleasure
You take satisfaction in entertaining others


And that's admirable, you tell yourself
You try to justify your actions as being for the benefit of others


And so you'd gladly sell yourself
You're willing to sacrifice your true self for the sake of entertaining others


To others
You crave the approval and validation of those around you


(Mother)
You still seek your mother's approval and validation


Yeah you put on quite a show
Your success is built on a false persona and a series of deceptive tricks




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Walter Andre De Backer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Vermouth

You're a fraud and you know it
But it's too good to throw it all away
Anyone would do the same
You've got 'em going
And you're careful not to show it
Sometimes you even fool yourself a bit
It's like magic
But it's always been a smoke and mirrors game
Anyone would do the same

So now that you've arrived well you wonder
What is it that you've done to make the grade
And should you do the same?
(Is that too easy?)
Are you only trying to please them
(Will they see then?)
You're desperate to deliver
Anything that could give you
A sense of reassurance
When you look in the mirror

Such highs and lows
You put on quite a show
All these highs and lows
And you're never really sure
What you do it for
Well do you even want to know?
You put on quite a show

Are you watching?
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)

You're a fraud and you know it
And every night and day you take the stage
And it always entertains
You're giving pleasure
And that's admirable, you tell yourself
And so you'd gladly sell yourself
To others

Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?

Such highs and lows
You put on quite a show
All these highs and lows
And you're never really sure
What you do it for
Well do you even want to know?
Yeah you put on quite a show



All comments from YouTube:

Brad Young

Gotye is awesome. He doesn't really even want to make millions or become famous. He turned down the profits from youtube for his "somebody that I used to know" video. Not only that, but he is one of the rare artists that Tags the visual designers/editors and collaborators on his videos. I cant believe no one credits the dancers, performers, actors or production crew in their videos. But this man does. Props.

Magalie Kalash

aw why did he turn down the revenue? There are ads in that song and now I will always think that all the money is going to youtube instead of Gotye. That depresses me.

Bunsenn

@Magalie Kalash YouTube still got a normal share. The money went to the producers of the video, but Gotye personally turned down any share of money that he would’ve gotten.

Nirav Savla

The visual imagery is insane. Very few songs carry a deep meaning.

moodymango

He’s amazing

🇧🇷Hel

Damn I love this man 🤧💗💗💗

6 More Replies...

Miyuru Eranda

we need a comeback from Gotye. The universe need a comeback from Gotye. <3

Darking omg

True

lovemedearly

Yes

Alexa

OMG YESSS

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