The Outsiders
Mathias Q-Tip/R.E.M. Lyrics
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You knocked a future shock crowbar upside my head
I got caught with the stop of the tick-tock, tick-tock clock
When you told me what you knew
Lost in the moment
The day that the music stopped
And I do remember you
Drawing patterns with a cork on the tablecloth
Promising volcanic change of plot
Where will this lead us, I'm scared of the storm
The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born
I tried to tell you I am not afraid
You looked up and saw it all across my face
So am I with you or am I against
I don't think it's that easy, we're lost in regret
Now I'm trying to remember
The feeling when the music stopped
When you told me what you knew
Lost in the moment
The day that the music stopped
And I do remember you
Drawing patterns with a cork on the tablecloth
Promising volcanic change of plot
Where does this leave us - I'm scared of the storm
The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born
Drawing patterns with a cork on the tablecloth
Promising volcanic change of plot
Where does this leave us - I'm scared of the storm
The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born
The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born
The outsiders are gathering
A man walks away when every muscle says to stay
How many yesterdays, they each weigh heavy
Who says what changes may come?
Who says what we call home?
I know you see right through me, my luminescence fades
The dusk provides an antidote, I am not afraid
I've been a million times in my mind
This is really just a technicality, frailty, reality
Uh, it's time to breathe, time to believe
Let it go and run towards the sea
They don't teach that, they don't know what you mean
They don't understand, they don't know what you mean
They don't get it, I want to scream
I want to breathe again, I want to dream
I want to float a quote from Martin Luther King
I am not afraid
I am not afraid
I am not afraid
I am not afraid
I am not afraid
I am not afraid
I am not afraid
The song "The Outsiders" by Mathias Q-Tip/R.E.M. explores the themes of fear, regret, and uncertainty in relationships. The first verse uses the metaphor of a ticking clock to depict the fear of missing out and the urgency to make decisions. The singer recalls being taken to the restaurant where they first met and being hit with a "future shock crowbar," signifying a sudden realization of their own mortality and the need to take action.
In the chorus, the singer reflects on the moment when the music stopped, the moment when they realized that their relationship was in trouble. Despite feeling lost and scared, they remember the person they were with and the patterns they drew on the table. They question whether they are with or against this person and express their fear of where the storm will lead them.
The second verse explores the idea of regret and the difficulty of moving on from past mistakes. The singer tries to tell the person they are with that they are not afraid, but their face betrays their true feelings. They acknowledge the outsiders gathering and wonder where the volcanic change of plot will take them.
Overall, "The Outsiders" is a complex song with many layers of meaning. It speaks to the fear and uncertainty everyone experiences in relationships, the longing to find someone who understands and accepts us despite our flaws, and the difficulty of moving on from past mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
You took me to the restaurant where we first met
We revisited the place where our relationship began
You knocked a future shock crowbar upside my head
You introduced me to new ideas and concepts that shocked me
I got caught with the stop of the tick-tock, tick-tock clock
I was caught off-guard by the passage of time
When you told me what you knew
You shared your knowledge and insights with me
Lost in the moment
We were fully immersed in the experience
The day that the music stopped
A pivotal moment occurred that changed things
And I do remember you
You had a significant impact on me
Drawing patterns with a cork on the tablecloth
We were restless and looking for ways to occupy ourselves
Promising volcanic change of plot
We were anticipating significant changes in our lives
Where will this lead us, I'm scared of the storm
I'm uncertain about the future and anxious about the potential difficulties
The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born
There are significant changes occurring and a new era is beginning
I tried to tell you I am not afraid
I attempted to convey that I am not scared
You looked up and saw it all across my face
You could tell from my expression that I was still afraid
So am I with you or am I against
I'm unsure about where I stand in our relationship
I don't think it's that easy, we're lost in regret
Our situation is complex and we're struggling with feelings of remorse
Now I'm trying to remember
I'm reflecting on past events
Drawing patterns with a cork on the tablecloth
We were trying to occupy ourselves in a difficult moment
Where does this leave us - I'm scared of the storm
I don't know what the future holds and I'm afraid of the difficulties ahead
The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born
Significant changes are occurring and a new era is beginning
A man walks away when every muscle says to stay
It's difficult to leave a situation even when it's necessary
How many yesterdays, they each weigh heavy
The past can be burdensome and weigh heavily on us
Who says what changes may come?
We never know what the future holds
Who says what we call home?
Our perception of home is subjective and varies from person to person
I know you see right through me, my luminescence fades
You understand me on a deeper level and I feel exposed and vulnerable
The dusk provides an antidote, I am not afraid
The darkness of the evening brings peace and calmness and I'm not afraid
I've been a million times in my mind
I've replayed scenarios and situations in my head many times
This is really just a technicality, frailty, reality
Our situation is based on technicalities and frailty, but it's still reality
Uh, it's time to breathe, time to believe
It's time to take a moment and believe in oneself
Let it go and run towards the sea
Let go of the past and embrace new experiences
They don't teach that, they don't know what you mean
Society doesn't always understand personal growth and change
They don't understand, they don't know what you mean
It's difficult to explain personal growth and change to others
They don't get it, I want to scream
It's frustrating when others don't understand personal growth and change
I want to breathe again, I want to dream
I want to feel free and hopeful once more
I want to float a quote from Martin Luther King
I want to share an inspiring quote from a great leader
I am not afraid
I am confident and unafraid
I am not afraid
I am confident and unafraid
I am not afraid
I am confident and unafraid
I am not afraid
I am confident and unafraid
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER BUCK, MIKE MILLS, MICHAEL STIPE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind