Aged 14, he gained national attention in 2012 after appearing in the second USA series of The X Factor.
Having previously released three EPs, Jacob Whitesides released hit debut studio album, Why?, was released on 9 September 2016.
Faces On Film
Jacob Whitesides Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Played every part
Climbed up the ladder
Taking your time
Taking the longer way
But they took your life
From you, sign those papers
They wrote the lines
They thought you should say
If I could hide you under my cape
Tuck you away in my suitcase
When you get tired of being alone
Anywhere but here is home
It's not in your deal
When you say when I will
Leave behind the world
Faces on film
My favorite scenes are when you're escaping
Finding a place you could be safe in
Hiding your eyes
Cover them with your hair
You follow the road
You know where it's winding
You do what your told
Or you truly deciding
Tells me your part
That we had to find a way
If I could hide you under my cape
Tuck you away in my suitcase
When you get tired of being alone
Anywhere but here is home
It's not in your deal
When you say when I will
Leave behind the world
Faces on film
If I could hide you under my cape
Tuck you away in my suitcase
When you get tired of being alone
Anywhere but here is home
It's not in your deal
If you're so good, I fear
It's the underneath that's real
Let's leave behind the world
Faces on film
The song "Faces on Film" by Jacob Whitesides explores the idea of a person living a double life as an actor. The opening lines suggest that the singer did not know this person was an actor and marvels at how they played every part, climbed up the ladder and took their time, taking the longer way. However, they also recognize that the person has paid a heavy price for their success and fame, as evidenced by the lines "But they took your life/From you, sign those papers/I couldn't help, I couldn't save ya/They wrote the lines/They thought you should say."
The singer's empathy and desire to protect this person is clear in the chorus when they sing "If I could hide you under my cape/Tuck you away in my suitcase/When you get tired of being alone/Anywhere but here is home." They acknowledge that the person's life is not easy, and they are constantly on the move, living out of suitcases, and always alone. The singer's offer to take this person away from it all is a testament to their love and devotion.
The singer's admiration for this person's talent and their ability to escape and find a place to be safe is highlighted in the lines "My favorite scenes are when you're escaping/Finding a place you could be safe in/Hiding your eyes/Cover them with your hair." The lyrics suggest that this person is not just an actor, but also someone who is trying to escape the pressures of their life and find a way to be themselves.
Overall, "Faces on Film" is a poignant and heartfelt song about the sacrifices that people make in pursuit of fame and success, and the toll it takes on their personal lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I didn't know you were an actor
I was unaware of your profession as an actor
Played every part
You have portrayed a variety of characters
Climbed up the ladder
You have advanced in your career
Taking your time
You are moving at a pace that is comfortable to you
Taking the longer way
You choose to take the path that may be more difficult but is worth it in the end
But they took your life
The industry has consumed your existence
From you, sign those papers
You were obligated to sign agreements that don't benefit you
I couldn't help, I couldn't save ya
I couldn't prevent the harm that you have experienced
They wrote the lines
The script was not written by you
They thought you should say
The lines were written to achieve someone else's objectives
If I could hide you under my cape
If I could shield you from the difficulties
Tuck you away in my suitcase
If I could keep you safe and take you away from your struggles
When you get tired of being alone
When the loneliness becomes too much to bear
Anywhere but here is home
Anywhere away from the harsh industry is a safe haven
It's not in your deal
It wasn't part of the agreement
When you say when I will
When you have control
Leave behind the world
Leave behind the industry
Faces on film
The industry's obsession with false imagery
My favorite scenes are when you're escaping
The most memorable moments are those when you break free from the industry
Finding a place you could be safe in
Creating a sanctuary where you can finally relax and be yourself
Hiding your eyes
The pain and struggle is evident in your eyes
Cover them with your hair
Don't let the pain be visible
You follow the road
You are following the established path
You know where it's winding
You know where it will lead
You do what your told
You follow instructions
Or you truly deciding
Or you making your own choices
Tells me your part
It's clear what role you play in the industry
That we had to find a way
We have to figure out how to escape the industry's grasp
If you're so good, I fear
If you're talented, I'm worried
It's the underneath that's real
Your true self is obscured by the false image projected onto the screen
Let's leave behind the world
Let's escape from the industry
Faces on film
The industry's fixation on outward appearance
Contributed by Kaylee K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tommy
Heard this song accidentally. It is the most beautiful song ever.
Soph
he's amazing.
if you have the chance to see him live, don't even hesitate to buy tickets. i saw him in portugal one week ago and it was amazing and very emotional
Kelsey Smith
I have tickets to his concert in Seattle + VIP meet and greet passes!! I'm so excited!!!! 😁😁😁😃😃😃
Soph
Kes Thurber holy shit have fuuuun!
Kelsey Smith
+Soph Brooks I will!!!! 😁😁😁
park jaehyung best boy
I've seen him twice. Buying tickets was the best decision I have ever made
David Rees
The new John Mayer
Kelsey Smith
Yas
Travis_Redfern
+David Rees Lets not jump to conclusions here... I'de have to hear an amazing guitar solo before I'de say that, but he definelty has talent for being so young
Adelyn Salvador
This gave me chills + eargasm. 😭😭💗💗💗 LOVE YOU SO MUCH JACOB.