Which Way Is Out
Johnny Borrell/Razorlight Lyrics

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This party isn't working, oh no
Yeah we need to find days like we used to
Living off a shoe string
Never, never knew what the night would bring

Now you look like you've been up for days
People walk in
Then they fall out

There's really not much to shout about

Still you rack 'em up, knock 'em back
Line 'em up, put 'em down
Have a little taste, then you look about

Yeah you rack 'em up, knock 'em back
Line 'em up, put 'em down
Have a little taste, then you figure out
And it all comes out

And you say I just can't get there, no more
So tell me which way's out?
You say I just can't get there, no more
So tell me which way's out?

An' I put your picture right up on my wall
I said show me how to walk
Show me how to talk
Show me how to be a man
That's all I need

An' I really put all my faith in you
Then you left right there
At the top of the stairs
With your mind half gone
And you never even cared

Still you rack 'em up, knock 'em back
Line 'em up, put 'em down
Have a little taste, then you look about

Yeah you rack 'em up, knock 'em back
Line 'em up, put 'em down
Have a little taste, then you figure out
And it all comes out

And you say I just can't get there, no more
So tell me which way's out?
You say I just can't get there, no more
So tell me which way's out?
Tell me which way's out?
Tell me which way's out?
Tell me which way

I never know
I never know

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Johnny Borrell/Razorlight's "Which Way Is Out" speak to the feeling of being lost and searching for a way out. The first verse sets the scene at a party that isn't quite right, one where they are searching for something that they used to have. They reminisce about the days when they were living off of nothing, and every night was full of possibility. But now, things seem to have slipped away, and they are left feeling empty. The people at the party are "walking in" but then "falling out," highlighting the lack of substance to the night. Despite this, they continue to drink and try to find some sort of satisfaction.

The second verse turns more personal, in which the singer has put their faith in someone else, someone who they think can show them how to be a man. But that person leaves them hanging, half out the door, with their mind "half gone." This theme of abandonment and disillusionment plays into the overall feeling of being lost and unsure of which way to turn. The chorus repeats the refrain of "So tell me which way's out," giving voice to the feeling of being stuck and the need for some sort of direction.

Overall, "Which Way Is Out" is a song that captures the feeling of being lost and searching for a way forward. It is a lament for a time gone by and a recognition that something is missing. The repeated chorus highlights the need for direction and guidance, but it is ultimately up to the listener to find their own way out.

Line by Line Meaning

This party isn't working, oh no
The party is not enjoyable

Yeah we need to find days like we used to
We need to find days when things were better

Living off a shoe string
Living on a small budget

Never, never knew what the night would bring
Never knew what to expect from the night

Now you look like you've been up for days
You look tired

People walk in
People arrive

Then they fall out
Then they leave

There's really not much to shout about
There's nothing exciting happening

Still you rack 'em up, knock 'em back
You continue to drink

Line 'em up, put 'em down
Order drinks and quickly finish them

Have a little taste, then you look about
Take a sip and look around