Hypocrates
Marina and the Diamonds Lyrics
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Body in the world
Who can make me, who can break me
Down into a young girl
You say that love is not that easy
And that's the lesson that you teach me
So hypocritical, overly cynical
Who are you to tell me, tell me
Who to, to be, to be?
You're my last bone of contention
That could break at any mention
You're the last wall that will stand tall
'Til the end of the world
I know you only want to own me
And that's the kind of love you show me
You tell me one thing and do another
Keep all your secrets undercover
Who are you to tell me, tell me
Who to, to be, to be?
Yeah, you let, you let go
Yeah, you let, you let go
Yeah, you let, you let go of me
Yeah you played the martyr for so long
That you can't do anything wrong
Who are you to tell me, tell me
Who to, to be, to be?
Yeah, you let, you let go
Yeah, you let, you let go
Yeah, you let, you let go of me
Who are you to tell me, tell me
Who to, to be, to be?
In "Hypocrates," Marina Diamandis, the singer of Marina and the Diamonds, calls out someone who is overly critical and hypocritical. She sings that this person is the one who can make her feel like a young girl or break her down, but at the same time, they tell her that love is not easy. Marina is sick and tired of this person's preaching and their insistence on telling her who to be. She sees through their supposed martyrdom and knows that they only want to own her.
The chorus is a direct challenge to this person's authority: "Who are you to tell me, tell me who to be?" Marina sees this person as her last bone of contention, the last wall that will stand until the end of the world. But she knows that they are flawed and that they keep secrets from her. It's possible that this person is a lover or a parent, but the lyrics remain intentionally vague, allowing the listener to interpret them in their own way.
Overall, "Hypocrates" is a powerful song about standing up to someone who wants to control you. Marina Diamandis' strong vocals and evocative lyrics make it an anthem for anyone who has ever felt held back by someone else's expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
You are the lonely one and only
Body in the world
Who can make me, who can break me
Down into a young girl
You are the only person in the world who can affect me deeply enough to make me feel like a vulnerable young girl.
You say that love is not that easy
And that's the lesson that you teach me
So hypocritical, overly cynical
I'm sick and tired of all your preaching
You try to tell me that love is difficult, but your constant preaching about it is hypocritical and wearisome.
Who are you to tell me, tell me
Who to, to be, to be?
You have no right to dictate who I should be and what I should do.
You're my last bone of contention
That could break at any mention
You're the last wall that will stand tall
'Til the end of the world
You're the only issue I have left, and you're so fragile that any little thing could destroy you, yet you're also so steadfast that you'll always be there for me.
I know you only want to own me
And that's the kind of love you show me
You tell me one thing and do another
Keep all your secrets undercover
Your love isn't real, and it's all about controlling me. You're dishonest, and you always hide your true intentions from me.
Yeah, you played the martyr for so long
That you can't do anything wrong
You've tried to play the victim for so long that you've convinced yourself that you can do no wrong.
Yeah, you let, you let go
Yeah, you let, you let go
Yeah, you let, you let go of me
You finally released your grip on me and let me go.
Who are you to tell me, tell me
Who to, to be, to be?
Once again, you have no right to dictate who I should be and what I should do.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARINA DIAMANDIS, RICK NOWELS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind