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Not The One
Hate Dept. Lyrics
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Will walking away now make me more of a target?
Screaming "Fight!" to the faces and "Stand up for yourself kid!"
Am I much more of a sinner because I never did?
I'm not the one you want
And (If you're standing beside me for all that I stand for
The pages of anguish that sing to your core
Are just layers of ink that protect me from fear
I'm not the one you want
I want the answers - I want to be special
But who I am now is just too small to measure
I'm sorry I can't be the someone you follow
Become it for both of us - lead me tomorrow
I'm not the one
The lyrics to Hate Dept.'s song Not the One seem to be focused on identity and the struggle to find oneself amidst the expectations and pressures of society. The first few lines suggest that the singer has been drawn to the negativity and darkness around them, perhaps as a way to feel more alive or to fit in. However, they wonder if distancing themselves from this will make them even more vulnerable to attack or criticism. The chorus, "I'm not the one you want," speaks to this internal conflict - the singer feels like they don't fit the mold of who others want them to be, but at the same time, they are not sure who they are supposed to be.
The second verse is particularly intriguing, with a few lines that hint at some sort of personal struggle. The lines, "And (If you're standing beside me for all that I stand for / Please whisper it now so I know why I'm here)," suggest that the singer is unsure of their own purpose or identity, and is seeking validation or guidance from others. The following lines suggest that the pain and darkness that may define others' lives is just a facade that they don't actually feel or relate to, and that perhaps the singer's own identity struggles are just a form of protection or defense mechanism.
The final verse seems to be a plea for guidance and support, as the singer asks for someone to lead them and help them become their best selves. Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of confusion and isolation, as the singer tries to navigate the complexities of identity and self-acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
They were giving it away, so I took more of the darkness
I got caught up in the negative things that were being given away and took in even more negativity.
Will walking away now make me more of a target?
I wonder if stepping away from the negativity will put me in more danger or make me a target for criticism.
Screaming 'Fight!' to the faces and 'Stand up for yourself kid!'
I often preach the idea of rising up against adversity and standing up for oneself.
Am I much more of a sinner because I never did?
I feel guilty because I haven't stood up for myself or fought against the negativity even though I encourage others to do so.
I'm not the one you want
I'm not the person you want me to be.
And (If you're standing beside me for all that I stand for
Please whisper it now so I know why I’m here)
If you're supporting me for the beliefs I have, please tell me so I can understand my purpose.
The pages of anguish that sing to your core
Are just layers of ink that protect me from fear
The pain and sorrow that you feel deeply is just a way for me to protect myself from my own fears and insecurities.
I want the answers - I want to be special
But who I am now is just too small to measure
I desire knowledge and recognition, but feel like who I am right now is insignificant and cannot be quantified.
I'm sorry I can't be the someone you follow
Become it for both of us - lead me tomorrow
I apologize for not being the leader or role model you want me to be. Instead, let's work together and you can show me how to be a better person.
I'm not the one
Once again, I'm reminding you that I'm not the person you want me to be.
Contributed by Jason O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.