Sixteens
Mike Lyrics


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How long have you denied that burning desire?

Yeah
Staying up writing sixteens
'Cause I can't sleep, thinking 'bout the Sistine
I make it up for all the misreads
'Cause I can't sleep, thinking shit skipped me
Sometimes you can't see it's bigger than the shit seem
A mental stampede's a company to misery
Banshees huddled 'round a pick-me
A broken family'll crumble on your big dreams
The struggles of the missed king
Not knowing who to grapple when the ships sink
I can't act, what would sis think?
I'm bringing trouble, every castle get the Blitzkrieg
You know I battle with the wind's speed
Seeing double from the path and all the licks clean
So guess my hustle moving backwards with the quick schemes
Hope it touch you, hit you how it hit me
Subtle, but swiftly through your ripped seams
As much I love you, I know I gotta get free
It's what it come to, you know how resent bleed
Out your heart, until it leak empty
Lowkey from the start, I ain't see the end gleam
Just going with my cards, watch 'em harsh and turn to envy
Lifting up the guard, that's the reason my defence weak
Thought I was a star, I was tweaking, just a check fiend




With a scar, demons, and suppressed being, uh
And suppress being

Overall Meaning

In "Sixteens," the lyrics speak to the inner turmoil and struggle that the artist, Mike, has been facing. The opening line, "How long have you denied that burning desire?" suggests that there has been a suppressed passion or longing within him that he has ignored or disregarded for some time.


The next line, "Staying up writing sixteens, 'cause I can't sleep, thinking 'bout the Sistine," reveals that he finds solace and escape in his craft of writing music. Unable to sleep, he immerses himself in the process of creating lyrics, using it as a means of distraction and self-expression. The reference to the Sistine implies that he is striving for greatness, comparable to the artistry displayed in Michelangelo's iconic masterpiece.


The following lines, "I make it up for all the misreads, 'cause I can't sleep, thinking shit skipped me," demonstrate that Mike is using his music as a way to make up for opportunities that he feels he has missed or mistakes that have been made in his life. He emphasizes that there is more significance to his struggles than meets the eye, often feeling trapped in a cycle of misery. The mention of banshees signifies negative influences or voices that surround him, potentially hindering his progress.


Mike further reflects on the challenges he faces, mentioning the struggles of being a missed king and not knowing who to turn to when everything falls apart. He questions how his actions may be perceived by loved ones and fears that his presence may bring trouble or destruction, likening it to a blitzkrieg, a swift and aggressive military attack. This suggests that he feels as though his presence can cause chaos and harm.


The lyrics also touch on Mike's vulnerability and inner demons. He acknowledges that the hustle and quick schemes he engages in can sometimes lead him in the wrong direction, causing him to feel lost and unsure of his path. Despite his love for others, he recognizes the need to break free from these destructive patterns and take care of himself.


Towards the end, Mike reveals his struggle with emotional turmoil and the suppression of his true self. He discusses the gradual unraveling of his heart and the emptiness he experiences as a result. The constant need to be guarded and defend himself has weakened his defenses, leaving him vulnerable to the effects of his past traumas and addictive tendencies.


Overall, "Sixteens" delves into Mike's deep-seated struggles and the toll they have taken on him emotionally. Through his lyrics, he seeks to convey the complexity of his experiences, reflecting on missed opportunities, inner conflicts, and the urgent need to find personal freedom and fulfillment.


Line by Line Meaning

How long have you denied that burning desire?
For how much time have you refused to acknowledge and embrace your intense passion?


Staying up writing sixteens
I stay awake, composing sixteen-bar verses


'Cause I can't sleep, thinking 'bout the Sistine
Because I cannot sleep, my thoughts are consumed by the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel


I make it up for all the misreads
I compensate for all the misinterpretations


'Cause I can't sleep, thinking shit skipped me
Because I cannot sleep, I am constantly worrying that I have been overlooked or left out


Sometimes you can't see it's bigger than the shit seem
Sometimes you fail to recognize that it is more significant than it appears


A mental stampede's a company to misery
A chaotic rush of thoughts leads to a state of unhappiness


Banshees huddled 'round a pick-me
Desperate, sorrowful figures gather and seek solace


A broken family'll crumble on your big dreams
The dreams of achieving greatness can be shattered by a fractured family


The struggles of the missed king
The hardships faced by a ruler who has been overlooked or neglected


Not knowing who to grapple when the ships sink
Feeling uncertain about whom to confront when everything falls apart


I can't act, what would sis think?
I cannot pretend, as it would disappoint my sister


I'm bringing trouble, every castle get the Blitzkrieg
I am causing chaos, attacking every stronghold mercilessly


You know I battle with the wind's speed
You are aware that I constantly struggle against the swiftness of change


Seeing double from the path and all the licks clean
Experiencing confusion and deception along the journey, despite appearances


So guess my hustle moving backwards with the quick schemes
Therefore, assume that my efforts to succeed are actually regressing due to impulsive plans


Hope it touch you, hit you how it hit me
I hope it deeply affects you, impacting you similarly as it did me


Subtle, but swiftly through your ripped seams
Gently, yet rapidly, penetrating through your vulnerabilities and weaknesses


As much I love you, I know I gotta get free
Despite my immense love for you, I am aware that I need to break free


It's what it come to, you know how resent bleed
This is the situation it has become, and you understand how bitterness can seep out


Out your heart, until it leak empty
Draining your heart until it is completely empty


Lowkey from the start, I ain't see the end gleam
Quietly and subtly, from the beginning, I did not foresee the shining conclusion


Just going with my cards, watch 'em harsh and turn to envy
Simply playing the hand I've been dealt, observing them become harsh and fuel jealousy


Lifting up the guard, that's the reason my defence weak
Lowering my defenses is the reason why my protection is weak


Thought I was a star, I was tweaking, just a check fiend
Believed I was a celebrity, but in reality, I was obsessively craving validation


With a scar, demons, and suppressed being, uh
Carrying emotional wounds, inner demons, and repressed identity


And suppress being
And suppressing one's true existence




Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: Michael Bonema

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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