Letters
Hollywood Lies Lyrics


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I'd orchestrated the event, manifested through time. The sirens called out who committed the crime. The discord red hands spelled out my defeat while the tension held up a conviction. I'd plead with the jury at least one time before the tension set in just to rapture the sin, which I in turn, used for crucification. Resurrect from the tomb every old habit at rest. I want to set your purple dress on fire, and I hope you're in it. I want to hate you more than I do now. This lonely game is getting tired, and I know I'm winning because I know that I'm wearing you down. Some day we'll both know what we had was indestructible. Nobody could ever quite come to deny us. It goes on to nothing. I've been touching every single word I said to you - I want them back. The memories will make for a much better story some day




Overall Meaning

In Hollywood Lies’s song Letters, the first few lines set the scene of an event that is about to take place. The singer has orchestrated something, which is going to reveal itself over time with the help of the sirens of an emergency response team who arrive on the scene. The “discord red hands” might refer to the red and blue lights of the police and ambulances flashing around, bringing the chaos in the aftermath of the event. It is unclear who or what is supposed to have committed the crime. There is a sense of tension in the air, as the singer becomes aware of their imminent defeat.


The next lines suggest that the singer is on trial, and they are trying to convince the jury of their innocence. They plead with them, but the tension has already set in. The singer then alludes to the idea of sacrificing themselves, perhaps for a greater cause. The line “which I in turn, used for crucification” might be interpreted as them taking on the burden of blame for something, to help someone else. The next line is confusing, as it seems to suggest a desire to destroy something beautiful (the purple dress), which might represent the singer’s love interest. The following lines imply a sense of weariness and fatigue, as the singer realizes that having a relationship is a game they are playing, and they are winning it by wearing down the other person.


Towards the end of the song, the singer takes a more optimistic turn, imagining a future where they are both aware of how indestructible their love was. The last line is poignant, as the singer regrets the words they have said, wishing they could take them back. They acknowledge that the memories of their relationship will make for a better story one day, but for now, the present moment is bleak.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd orchestrated the event, manifested through time.
I carefully planned and brought about this situation over a long period of time.


The sirens called out who committed the crime.
The police or other authorities have identified the person responsible for what has happened.


The discord red hands spelled out my defeat while the tension held up a conviction.
Despite my efforts, I've been beaten and the situation is now out of my control.


I'd plead with the jury at least one time before the tension set in just to rapture the sin, which I in turn, used for crucification.
I tried to make my case to those in charge, but it didn't work out and I'm now using my failure to punish myself.


Resurrect from the tomb every old habit at rest.
I'm bringing back everything I used to do or feel, even if it's been dormant for a long time.


I want to set your purple dress on fire, and I hope you're in it.
I have an intense desire to hurt or destroy you in some way.


I want to hate you more than I do now.
My current level of dislike for you isn't strong enough - I want to intensify those feelings.


This lonely game is getting tired, and I know I'm winning because I know that I'm wearing you down.
I'm playing a game in which I'm deliberately making you suffer, and I can tell that it's working because you're starting to give in to me.


Some day we'll both know what we had was indestructible. Nobody could ever quite come to deny us.
Looking back in the future, we'll recognize that what we had was strong and unbreakable, and nobody could have prevented us from being together.


It goes on to nothing.
Despite everything that's happened or will happen, it all leads to nothing in the end.


I've been touching every single word I said to you - I want them back.
I regret everything I've said to you and wish I could take it all back.


The memories will make for a much better story some day
One day, when it's all over, we'll be able to look back on our experiences together and see them in a different, more positive light.




Contributed by Liliana F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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