The Therapist
Kyle Falconer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's not the one who's got to walk around in this skin
This body of mine, yeah, it has a very vicious way
Of acting all the stress out, and pushing people away
So why should I not crumble?
Take a tumble on my own sweet head?
Cause if I wasn't here, then I'd surely be dead
That's what the therapist said
Yeah, little Billy told me to mock all of the merry ways
Live under the raincoat at easter
And die on Christmas day (wo-oh)
So why should I not crumble?
Take a tumble on my own sweet head?
Cause if I wasn't here, then I'd surely be dead
That's what the therapist said
Then the therapist told me not to bother with loving one another
And focus on the "I, Me" man
Don't even bother with sister's and the brother's
Cause not to love yourself is a crime
So do it, 'til you feel fine (woh-oh-oh)
Ma' old lady told me: "I'm fine when I'm not drinking"
But she's not the one who's got to walk around in this skin
And why should I not crumble?
Take a tumble on the my own swee head?
Cause if I wasn't here, then I'd surely be dead
That's what the therapist said
Oh, if I wasn't here, then I'd surely be dead
That's what the therapist, oh my crazy therapist
Oh, That's what the therapist said
The song "The Therapist" by Kyle Falconer is about the struggle of dealing with the stresses of life and mental health issues. The lyrics suggest a conflict between the singer's own experiences and the advice he receives from others, such as his mother, Billy, and a therapist. The singer feels like he's constantly being pulled in different directions, as he tries to navigate his own struggles while also taking into account the opinions of those around him.
The opening line, "Ma' old lady told me: 'I'm fine when I'm not drinking'," implies that the singer's mother has some experience with addiction or mental health issues of her own. However, the singer also suggests that his mother doesn't fully understand the struggles he faces, as he's the one who has to "walk around in this skin" and deal with the consequences of his own actions.
The chorus, "So why should I not crumble? / Take a tumble on my own sweet head? / 'Cause if I wasn't here, then I'd surely be dead / That's what the therapist said," suggests that the singer is struggling with suicidal thoughts, and that his therapist has suggested that staying alive is the most important thing he can do. The final verse, in which the singer recounts the therapist's advice to focus on self-love above all else, adds another layer to the song's themes of mental health and self-care.
Overall, "The Therapist" is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles of anyone dealing with mental health issues, addiction, or other challenging life situations. The lyrics are introspective and honest, while the musical arrangement is both haunting and beautiful.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma' old lady told me: "I'm fine when I'm not drinking"
The singer's mother believes he is okay as long as he doesn't drink.
She's not the one who's got to walk around in this skin
The singer is the one who has to deal with the negative effects of his stress on his body.
This body of mine, yeah, it has a very vicious way
The singer's body has a harsh and unforgiving response to stress and anxiety.
Of acting all the stress out, and pushing people away
The singer's stress causes him to behave negatively towards others, even if he doesn't mean to.
So why should I not crumble?
The singer questions why he should keep it together when everything feels like it's falling apart.
Take a tumble on my own sweet head?
The singer considers losing control and letting himself fall apart.
Cause if I wasn't here, then I'd surely be dead
The singer acknowledges that his mental health is at risk, and that his life could be in danger if he doesn't find a way to cope.
That's what the therapist said
The advice to keep going and not give up comes from the singer's therapist.
Yeah, little Billy told me to mock all of the merry ways
Someone named Billy told the singer to make fun of happy events or situations.
Live under the raincoat at easter
The singer is advised to hide from good things in life, or to avoid them altogether.
And die on Christmas day (wo-oh)
The advice is so defeatist that the singer may as well be dead.
Then the therapist told me not to bother with loving one another
The singer was told by his therapist to focus on self-love instead of loving others.
And focus on the "I, Me" man
The therapist's advice is to prioritize oneself above others in all things.
Don't even bother with sister's and the brother's
The advice is so extreme that the singer is told not to care about his own siblings.
Cause not to love yourself is a crime
The therapist believes that self-love is a necessary condition for mental health.
So do it, 'til you feel fine (woh-oh-oh)
The therapist's advice is to prioritize self-love above all else in order to achieve happiness and wellbeing.
And why should I not crumble?
The singer repeats his question from earlier, indicating his struggle to maintain his mental health.
Take a tumble on the my own sweet head?
The singer is still considering giving up and letting himself fall apart.
Oh, if I wasn't here, then I'd surely be dead
The singer acknowledges again that his mental health is at risk, and that he needs to take steps to protect himself.
That's what the therapist, oh my crazy therapist
The singer refers to his therapist as 'crazy,' indicating confusion or frustration with the advice they have given him.
Oh, That's what the therapist said
The repeated refrain emphasizes the importance of continuing to fight for mental health, even when it feels impossible.
Contributed by Mateo L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.