Black Out
Madeline Lyrics


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We're born with memories like blank sheets of paper
And I forgot where I came from
We're born with memories, they're blank sheets of paper
And I forgot where I came from
My middle name is my middle name
My middle name is my middle name
A sly little bastard snuck in between
He goes lo, oh, no, lo, lo

Torn out her memories, they're ripped from the attic
And my heart beats like a floor tom
Torn out her memories, let pain in the attic
And I'm not built like a floor tom
That job was my job for, what job was a job for?
Job was my job for, what job was a job for?
Job was my job for, what job was a job for?

Oh slick autopilot stick shift, cruise control
And I speak tongues go na-na-na-na-na
I speak tongues go na-na-na-na-na
Slick autopilot stick shift, cruise control
I speak tongues go na-na-na-na-na
I speak tongues go na-na-na-na-na
Lo, lo, lo

My mouth is on fire, my mouth fills with flames
My mouth is on fire, my mouth fills with flames
It burns on my tongue, well it burns on my face




My mouth is on fire, my mouth fills with flames
It goes

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Madeline's song "Black Out" appear to be speaking about memory loss and the feeling of being lost or disconnected from one's past. The opening lines compare the way we are born with memories to blank sheets of paper, and the singer expresses that they have forgotten where they came from. This sense of memory loss is compounded by the presence of a "sly little bastard" who sneaks in between the singer's middle name. This enigmatic line could represent a feeling of being undermined or manipulated by something outside of oneself.


The second verse continues to explore the theme of lost memories, with the singer expressing that their memories have been "torn out" and that they are not built like a drum that can withstand pain. The repeated question of "what job was a job for?" could represent the feeling of purposelessness that can arise when one's memories and past experiences are disconnected. The chorus uses the image of a slick autopilot stick shift and cruise control to express a sense of being on autopilot or disconnected from one's actions or surroundings. The repeated phrase "na-na-na-na-na" could represent a sense of inner turmoil or confusion.


The final verse brings the themes of fire and flames into focus, with the singer expressing that their mouth is on fire and fills with flames. This could represent a feeling of intense emotion or passion, or a sense that their words and actions are having a destructive impact. The song ends with the repeated word "Lo" which could have multiple interpretations, such as a reference to the biblical word "low" or a release of tension or emotion.


Line by Line Meaning

We're born with memories like blank sheets of paper
We enter this world with no memories, like clean sheets of paper.


And I forgot where I came from
I've forgotten my past or my origins.


My middle name is my middle name
My middle name is simply that, my middle name.


A sly little bastard snuck in between He goes lo, oh, no, lo, lo
An unexpected or sneaky presence popped up, causing distress or confusion.


Torn out her memories, they're ripped from the attic And my heart beats like a floor tom
Painful memories have been brought back up, and my heart is racing with the intensity of a drumbeat.


And I'm not built like a floor tom That job was my job for, what job was a job for?
I am not strong enough to handle this emotional turmoil. Why did I even have that job to begin with?


Oh slick autopilot stick shift, cruise control And I speak tongues go na-na-na-na-na
I am coasting through life on autopilot, not fully present or engaged. It feels like I am speaking gibberish instead of meaningful words.


My mouth is on fire, my mouth fills with flames It burns on my tongue, well it burns on my face
I am overwhelmed with emotion and it feels like my mouth is on fire. The pain is spreading across my face.




Contributed by Madison B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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