Beneath The Surface
Incognito Lyrics


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Here I sit and watch the crowds go by
Papa da papa papa yeah
But there's only one face I can see
If only they would understand
Papa da papa papa yeah
I'd open the door and let him in

Chorus:
How long can I hide, what I'm feeling inside
My love is a river, that's got to make its way into sea
This feeling can't hide, Lord knows I've tried
Beneath the surface
Beneath the surface

I try, though I know I'm hanging on a string
Papa da papa papa yeah
You're the only one thing on my mind
Keeps floating to a distant shore
Papa da papa papa yeah
As I go on denying myself

Chorus

Oh, keeps turning round in my mind
Oh, round and round in my mind

Here I sit and watch the crowds go by
Papa da papa papa yeah
But there's only one face I can see





Chorus x 2

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Incognito's song Beneath The Surface seem to describe a situation where the singer is longing for someone they cannot be with, and despite the distractions of the world around them, their thoughts keep returning to that person. The repetitive use of the words "Papa da papa papa yeah" in the verses gives a sense of a sort of resigned, almost monotonous state of mind. The words "if only they would understand" suggest a feeling of desperation, as if the singer is waiting for some kind of sign or permission to let this person into their life.


The chorus of the song, repeated twice, gives voice to the singer's inner conflict. On the one hand, they know they cannot hide their love forever and it will eventually find its way to the surface like a river making its way to the sea. On the other hand, they seem to have tried to push these feelings down, keeping them hidden beneath the surface. The repetition of the phrase "beneath the surface" in the chorus gives a sense of deep emotional turmoil and a struggle to reconcile what the singer feels with what they think they should do.


Overall, Beneath The Surface portrays the complex nature of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil it can cause. The use of repetition in the lyrics and the sense of a monotonous, almost robotic mindset in the verses contrast with the powerful emotions expressed in the chorus. The song seems to suggest that it's impossible to hide one's true feelings for long and that eventually, they will find their way to the surface.


Line by Line Meaning

Here I sit and watch the crowds go by
I'm surrounded by people, but I feel alone


Papa da papa papa yeah
Nonsensical phrase meant to mimic the sound of a beat


But there's only one face I can see
Despite everything else around me, I can only focus on one person


If only they would understand
I wish others could understand my feelings


I'd open the door and let him in
I want to let this person in, but something is holding me back


My love is a river, that's got to make its way into sea
My love is strong and needs to be expressed, even if it's difficult or painful


This feeling can't hide, Lord knows I've tried
I've tried to hide my feelings, but it's becoming harder and harder to do


Beneath the surface
My true emotions and desires are hidden below the surface


I try, though I know I'm hanging on a string
I'm making an effort, but I'm also aware that my situation is precarious


You're the only one thing on my mind
I can't stop thinking about this person


Keeps floating to a distant shore
My thoughts and feelings about this person seem to be going in different directions


As I go on denying myself
I'm trying to suppress my feelings and desires, but it's not working


Oh, keeps turning round in my mind
My thoughts about this person are persistent and constant


Oh, round and round in my mind
My thoughts and feelings continually spin in circles




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GRAHAM DONALD HARVEY, JEAN-PAUL MAUNICK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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