Don't Be Afraid
Howie Beck Lyrics

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Sucking on a word to spit it out
You never say much but you talk so loud
Nothing's ever done since you're back around
And i just can't wait till you're falling off

So don't be afraid if you're all fucked up
Everybody knows you'll get through somehow
It doesn't seem to matter if you're right or wrong

So you're looking for lies that you told
You're looking for lies that you sold
You've always got somebody hanging around
That feel you walking by when the wind's go

Don't be afraid if you're all fucked up
Everybody knows you'll get through somehow
It doesn't seem to matter if you're right or wrong

Don't be afraid if you're all fucked up
Everybody knows you'll get through somehow
It doesn't really matter if you're right or wrong
Everybody knows you'll get through somehow
I'm not afraid if you ever found out
I stole it from a friend who's been less unknown
You're just another fake but you're never outdone

No i never wanna see you again
I never wanna see what you do again

Just another day they'll be bringing you down
When you found out no one following you

Overall Meaning

Howie Beck's song "Don't Be Afraid" seems to be directed towards a person who is fake, insincere, and desperate to be liked. The opening lines, "Sucking on a word to spit it out, You never say much but you talk so loud," suggest that this person is not genuine in the way that they communicate and only says things that they think will make them look good or gain favor with others. Despite acting this way, this person seems unable to accomplish anything productive or substantial, as the lines "Nothing's ever done since you're back around, And I just can't wait till you're falling off" indicate a sort of sadomasochistic pleasure that the singer takes in seeing this person fail.

Despite all of this, however, the chorus of the song encourages this person to not be afraid of being "all fucked up" and that they will "get through somehow." This could be interpreted in a couple of ways. On one hand, it could be seen as the singer trying to be sympathetic to this person, telling them that it's okay to struggle and that they'll eventually make it through. On the other hand, it could be seen as a sort of backhanded insult, with the singer telling this person that they're so worthless that even if they mess up, it won't matter in the long run.

The later lines, "I'm not afraid if you ever found out, I stole it from a friend who's been less unknown, You're just another fake but you're never outdone, No, I never wanna see you again" serve as a sort of climax to the song. They express the singer's frustration and anger towards this person, as well as the sense of superiority that they feel over them. Overall, "Don't Be Afraid" seems to be a song about the toxicity of certain interpersonal relationships and the arrogance that can arise from feeling like you're better than someone else.

Line by Line Meaning

Sucking on a word to spit it out
You carefully choose your words and use them to manipulate others, but eventually they will see through you and call you out.

You never say much but you talk so loud
You're not willing to share much about yourself, but you still manage to draw attention to yourself and create drama wherever you go.

Nothing's ever done since you're back around
Your presence brings chaos and inaction, and prevents progress or resolution from being achieved.

And i just can't wait till you're falling off
You're headed for a downfall due to your deceitful ways, and others are looking forward to seeing you get what you deserve.

So don't be afraid if you're all fucked up
Despite your flaws and mistakes, you shouldn't be afraid because others recognize your resilience and ability to overcome obstacles.

Everybody knows you'll get through somehow
Everyone acknowledges that you have a way of bouncing back from setbacks and persevering in difficult situations.

It doesn't seem to matter if you're right or wrong
Whether or not you're correct in your actions or decisions, you still manage to come out on top and inspire others with your resilience.

So you're looking for lies that you told
You're constantly searching for ways to cover up your lies and maintain your facade of perfection, even when it means sacrificing your integrity.

You're looking for lies that you sold
You've deceived others and now you're trying to cover your tracks and ensure that your secrets aren't revealed.

You've always got somebody hanging around
You surround yourself with people who are willing to tolerate your toxic behavior and support you no matter what.

That feel you walking by when the wind's go
Your influence is felt even when you're not actively involved, and those around you can sense when you're nearby.

I'm not afraid if you ever found out
If you were to discover that I've betrayed your trust, I wouldn't be intimidated by your reaction because I know you're not as invincible as you seem.

I stole it from a friend who's been less unknown
I took something that didn't belong to me from someone who isn't as well-known or influential as you are.

You're just another fake but you're never outdone
You may be a phony, but you're also incredibly skilled at maintaining your image and keeping up your facade.

No i never wanna see you again
I'm fed up with your behavior and don't want to be associated with you any longer.

I never wanna see what you do again
Your actions cause harm and chaos, and I don't want to be a witness to any more of your destructive behavior.

Just another day they'll be bringing you down
You will eventually face the consequences of your actions, and others will be responsible for bringing you to justice.

When you found out no one following you
Once you no longer have people enabling your toxic behavior, you'll realize that you're alone and nobody wants to be associated with you.

Contributed by Grace A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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