Discography:
'Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi' (2010)
'Think Thoughts' (2011)
'Let Go' (2013)
'Life' (2016)
'KNOWER FOREVER' (2023)
Real Thing
KNOWER Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
too many colors fade to grey
ocean of people sleeping all around you
too scared to wake them, don't shake them
will you give in
into your boredom
dead or living
never be nothing
be the real thing
no right or wrong way
just your own way
never be nothing
be the real thing
you'll find your own way
someday, someday
hiding through faking same old conversation
crush all your big thoughts to small talk
some may not see you
greet you like you're see-through
closing the door on something more
will you give in
into your boredom
dead or living
it's up to you
never be nothing
be the real thing
no right or wrong way
just your own way
never be nothing
tryna blend in
you'll find your own way
someday, someday
be the real thing
The lyrics of KNOWER's song, Real Thing, highlight the struggle to find one's true self in a world that values conformity. The opening lines describe the ennui that comes with a lack of novelty and the way it causes the vibrancy of our experiences to fade to gray. The next lines paint a picture of a crowd of people who are sleeping and afraid to wake up. It can be interpreted as a metaphor for a society that values complacency above all else. The chorus, "never be nothing, be the real thing," emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not giving in to apathy.
The second verse portrays the fear of being invisible and unnoticed in a world that requires us to fit into society's narrow standards. It talks about what it feels like to dumb oneself down and crush one's big thoughts in order to have basic small talk with others. The lyrics urge the listener to avoid giving into boredom and instead embrace living life on their own terms. The closing lines of the song encourage those listening to be the real thing, to stay on their own unique path despite the pressure to conform.
Line by Line Meaning
life can be strange when strange things do not happen
Life can feel odd and uneventful without anything out of the ordinary happening.
too many colors fade to grey
When life gets dull, all the vibrant colors and excitement fade away.
ocean of people sleeping all around you
There are many people around you, but they all seem to be stuck in a sort of lethargic state.
too scared to wake them, don't shake them
You may be afraid to disturb those around you who seem to be in a state of apathy.
will you give in into your boredom
Are you going to let boredom overwhelm you?
dead or living it's up to you
You can choose to be just a living body or to truly be alive and present in your life.
never be nothing be the real thing
Don't settle for being nothing, strive to be authentic and genuine.
no right or wrong way just your own way
There isn't one correct path to take in life, only the one that feels right to you.
tryna blend in
Trying to fit in with those around you.
you'll find your own way someday, someday
Eventually, you will find the path that is true to who you are.
hiding through faking same old conversation
Sometimes it can be easier to fake small talk rather than having authentic conversations.
crush all your big thoughts to small talk
Instead of expressing your true thoughts and ideas, you push them aside and stick to surface-level topics.
some may not see you greet you like you're see-through
Others may not recognize or acknowledge you as an individual, leading you to feel invisible.
closing the door on something more
By avoiding authentic conversations and not expressing your true self, you may be missing out on deeper connections and experiences.
Contributed by Tyler K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.