Dancing On A Tightrope
I the Mighty Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You carry yourself
Like a lion's in your pocket
But you lack the simple courage
To move out of your parents' house
I'm calling you out

You seem so sure
Without a back-up plan
But I pierce the skin
Here we are, holding up your outer shell with both hands

You're stuck on the path you built yourself to self-destruct
You never stop

I can't help it
I won't let you bury yourself
Bury yourself
I can't help it
I won't let you bury yourself
Bury yourself

It'll all come back to you
All that you can't pretend
'Cause life has a way of equaling itself out at both ends

I'll say it again

You seem so sure
Without a back-up plan
And you disappear and here we are
Counting down the days that you're gone on both hands

You're stuck on the path you built yourself to self-destruct
You never stop

I can't help it
I won't let you bury yourself
Bury yourself
I can't help it
I won't let you bury yourself
Bury yourself

Bury yourself, bury yourself

I can't help it
I won't let you bury yourself
Bury yourself
I can't help it
I won't let you bury yourself
Bury yourself

I know you're desperate to find someone to ease that pretty mind
When nobody's listening
Just know I'll be there for you still
I've got your back you know I will
No, I'll never let you bury yourself





Bury yourself, bury yourself, bury yourself

Overall Meaning

The song "Dancing On A Tightrope" by I the Mighty is a plea to a friend who's stuck in a destructive path to take control of their life. The opening lines suggest the subject's tendency to present a confident facade ("Like a lion's in your pocket"), but this exterior is just a mask to hide their fear of stepping out of their comfort zone and facing the unpredictable world. The singer is calling out their friend for being unable to move out of their parents' house and for having no backup plan in case things don't work out. The lyrics "You're stuck on the path you built yourself to self-destruct" further emphasize the subject's inaction leading towards self-destruction. However, the singer remains determined to help their friend and not let them succumb to their own self-doubt.


The chorus shows the singer's unwavering support for their friend, promising not to leave them behind and to make them aware of the consequences of their inaction. They urge their friend to take proactive steps towards leading a better and more fulfilling life. The final lines reveal that the singer has complete faith in their friend and will always be there for them when they need someone to turn to, even if nobody else is willing to listen.


Line by Line Meaning

You carry yourself
You present yourself in a confident manner


Like a lion's in your pocket
As if you have the power of a lion within you


But you lack the simple courage
However, you don't have the bravery


To move out of your parents' house
To leave the comfort and security of your family's home


I'm calling you out
I'm challenging you to confront your fears and take action


You seem so sure
You appear to be confident in your choices


Without a back-up plan
But you don't have an alternative plan in case things don't work out


But I pierce the skin
I see through your facade


Here we are, holding up your outer shell with both hands
Supporting your superficial image with all our might


You're stuck on the path you built yourself to self-destruct
You're following a destructive path that you created for yourself


You never stop
You don't take a step back to evaluate your actions


I can't help it
I can't ignore your self-sabotage


I won't let you bury yourself
I won't allow your actions to lead to your downfall


It'll all come back to you
You will receive the consequences of your actions


All that you can't pretend
You can't avoid the truth of your situation


'Cause life has a way of equaling itself out at both ends
Because life has a way of balancing out the good and the bad


And you disappear and here we are
And you vanish leaving us behind


Counting down the days that you're gone on both hands
Waiting for your return, while realizing the time will pass quickly


I know you're desperate to find someone to ease that pretty mind
I know you're trying to find someone to make your mind at peace


When nobody's listening
When no one is paying attention to your worries


Just know I'll be there for you still
Just remember that I'll support you no matter what


I've got your back you know I will
I'll always be on your side


No, I'll never let you bury yourself
No, I'll never let you destroy yourself


Bury yourself, bury yourself, bury yourself
Reinforcing the idea of self-sabotage and its negative consequences




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Brent Walsh, Ian Pedigo, Chris Hinkley, Blake Dahlinger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Hansol

My favorite song by them. Satori is ok, but this EP hits home.

hexbefore sex

7 years ago good old days

rudy rudy

Love this, im sorry you guys dont get more recognition.

Cesar V

After years of being in to this amazing band by chance I've pretty much come to accept the fact that this band is just a hidden gem.

SavingSyenna

These guys are like the Hands Like Houses of EqualVision. Love em!

Flora Urie

i love the feeling when i randomly find beautiful music

LukesCanBeDeceiving

Still listening 8 years later, absolutely love you guys ❤

AndrewMusicLife

This is amazing, im so glad that i found them, then saw them a week later,

Shane McZane

My earbuds are "buried" in my ears blaring this album's music, so good, holy shit.

Team Ataraxia

Shane McZane Heh buried cause the song yeah I'm dumb

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