Criminal
Led by Lanterns Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I lost my head and I paid the price
But why'd ya look at me like I'll never get better
And now I'm scared and I don't know why
But I promised her forever

I'm not giving up
So I cast myself like the curse I am but
Enough's enough
Am I gonna burn all the bridges behind
Cause I feel like I am walking a wire
And I'm tired
I heard them talking and I know they're saying

Lock him up and throw the key
But you've only seen the worst of me
So tell me why do I feel like a criminal
You can tie me up and light the fire
Cause you've pinned me as another liar
So tell me why do I feel like a criminal

I'm not always bad, but I have my days
It seems my angels and demons are thinking the same thing
My god have I lost her, sometimes I feel like a monster
Shit
I've said too much
It serves me right for ever feeling good enough
Have I told you what you need to know
I've been living with an axe over my head
The more I look, the closer it gets
Why you gotta make me feel like that
I heard them talking and I know they're saying

Lock him up and throw the key
But you've only seen the worst of me
So tell me why do I feel like a criminal
You can tie me up and light the fire
Cause you've pinned me as another liar
So tell me why do I feel like a criminal

Why dya look at me like that
It's getting me down
Making me feel bad
Why dya look at me like that
Oh
Why dya look at me like that
It's getting me down
Making me feel bad
Why dya look at me like that
Oh

Why dya make me feel like that
Why dya make me feel like that
I heard them talking and I know they're saying

Lock him up and throw the key
But you've only seen the worst of me
So tell me why do I feel like a criminal
You can tie me up and light the fire




But then you've pinned me as another liar
So tell me why do I feel like a criminal

Overall Meaning

Led by Lanterns's song "Criminal" is a vulnerable and introspective exploration of the singer's inner demons and struggles with feeling like a criminal. The opening lines reveal that the singer has made mistakes and "lost [their] head," but they are still hoping to improve and make things right. However, they feel judged and ostracized by those around them, as evidenced by the line "why'd ya look at me like I'll never get better." The singer also admits to feeling scared and unsure of themselves, despite promising someone (presumably a romantic partner) that they will always be together.


The chorus of the song is a plea from the singer to be understood and given a chance to prove themselves. They feel like they are constantly being labeled as a "criminal" and judged based on their past mistakes, even though they are not inherently bad. The lyrics "you can tie me up and light the fire / cause you've pinned me as another liar" suggests that the singer feels unfairly persecuted, as if they are being punished for something they did not do. At the same time, the singer owns up to their own flaws and acknowledges that they are not always good. Overall, "Criminal" is a raw and emotional depiction of the complex, nuanced nature of human behavior and the ways in which we can be both good and bad.


Line by Line Meaning

I lost my head and I paid the price
I made a mistake and I suffered the consequences.


But why'd ya look at me like I'll never get better
Why are you judging me and assuming that I will never improve?


And now I'm scared and I don't know why
I am feeling afraid, but I don't understand the reason behind it.


But I promised her forever
I made a commitment to her for a lifetime.


So I cast myself like the curse I am but
I am constantly punishing myself for my mistakes.


Enough's enough
I have reached my limit and can't take it anymore.


Am I gonna burn all the bridges behind
Will I cut off all connections and burn my past relationships?


Cause I feel like I am walking a wire
I am in a difficult and risky situation where one wrong step could lead to a disaster.


And I'm tired
I am exhausted, physically and emotionally.


Lock him up and throw the key
People are calling for my punishment and want me behind bars.


But you've only seen the worst of me
People have only witnessed my mistakes and not my good side.


So tell me why do I feel like a criminal
I am being made to feel guilty and ashamed of myself.


You can tie me up and light the fire
People can torture and hurt me as much as they want.


Cause you've pinned me as another liar
People have branded me as a dishonest person without understanding my side of the story.


I'm not always bad, but I have my days
I am not always the villain, but there are times when I make bad decisions.


It seems my angels and demons are thinking the same thing
My conscience is conflicted and I am torn between right and wrong.


My god have I lost her, sometimes I feel like a monster
I fear that I have lost the person I love and feel like a terrible person.


Have I told you what you need to know
Have I revealed all the necessary information?


I've been living with an axe over my head
I have been living in constant fear and uncertainty of my future.


The more I look, the closer it gets
The more I try to avoid a problem, the more it seems to be approaching me.


Why you gotta make me feel like that
Why are you making me feel ashamed and guilty?


Why dya look at me like that
Why are you looking at me in that judgmental manner?


Making me feel bad
You are causing me emotional pain and sadness.


Oh
Expression of frustration and disappointment.


Why dya make me feel like that
Why are you making me feel like a criminal?




Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Steven Hill

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@traveller5891

I don't understand. How is this band THIS unknown? All of their songs are amazing.

@andrewhillphotosvideos2909

Great song again LBL ...

@Fourso

Song. Nice. Thanks Led by Lanterns.

@alannorthwood1049

Saw the boys at The Cavern in Exeter supporting Mallors - they were Friggin' Awesome!!!
Alive, Disconnected, Smoke Screen and Composure all still hitting top of my playlist....now to add this! 👍

@MichaelSuperbacker

This song is Michael Superbacker approved! Sam Sheffer introduced me to you guys👍

@wendyjyork

Loved it, thank you for the invite 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤

@LedByLanterns

Thanks Wendy!!!

@2secondwind

Your songs give a nostalgic vibe but still feel fresh.

@breakdownstv9284

Парни, вы лучшие! Творите дальше)😄🤟🤟🤟

@Blastingplane

Wish this would have been ready for your show with Normandie and dreamstate because damn that would go off

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