Hangnail
Nickelback Lyrics


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My hopes just fell, and I can't see
The reason why, why there is blood on my sleeve
And all this time, I thought it mine
But it's not, it's yours and

It's not worth it for me, gets harder every time I call you
This life you lead, like us living in a shiny ballroom
Next time you bleed, right about this time tomorrow
Next time you steal, better ask before you borrow

Oh

And I don't see too well, don't sing too well
And so I settle to scream
Just grab your shit, and leave with it
They won't make no statues of you

It's not worth it for me, gets harder every time call you
This life you lead, like us living in a shiny ballroom

Next time you bleed, right about this time tomorrow
Next time you steal, better ask before you borrow
This label "thief", find a better title suited for you
This tidal wave, is coming down upon you, oh

This time I've forgotten
I swear this shit was rotten
This time, I believe it
'Cause I've seen the shit you're needin'

It's not worth it for me, gets harder every time call you
This life you lead, like us living in a shiny ballroom
Next time you bleed, right about this time tomorrow
Next time you steal, better ask before you borrow
This label "thief", find a better title suited for you
This tidal wave, is coming down upon you, oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nickelback’s song “Hangnail” describe the singer’s realization that he has been carrying the weight of someone else’s problems. He is confused as to why there is blood on his sleeve, only to realize that it is someone else’s. The lyrics convey the message that he has been dealing with someone who has been taking advantage of him or stealing from him. He implores this person to stop their behavior and find a better title suited for themselves. The singer also makes it clear that he is not going to be a victim anymore and is ready to move on from this situation.


The lyrics also describe the singer’s frustrations with this person who he has been helping. He is tired of the person’s behavior and feels like it’s not worth it anymore. The metaphor "swimming in a shiny ballroom" suggests that the person’s life is superficial and hollow, devoid of any real substance or meaning. The singer warns this person that a tidal wave is coming down upon them, implying that there are consequences to their actions.


Overall, the lyrics to “Hangnail” are a call for a toxic relationship to end. The singer is tired of carrying the weight of someone else's problems and wants this person to take responsibility for their actions.


Line by Line Meaning

My hopes just fell, and I can't see
I am feeling hopeless and lost, unable to see a clear path forward.


The reason why, why there is blood on my sleeve
I am confused and troubled by the presence of blood on my sleeve and do not understand why it is there.


And all this time, I thought it mine
I mistakenly believed that the blood was my own and failed to realize its true source.


But it's not, it's yours and
I have come to the realization that the blood on my sleeve has come from someone else and is not my own.


It's not worth it for me, gets harder every time call you
Dealing with you is becoming more and more difficult and it is no longer worth it for me to keep trying.


This life you lead, like swimming in a shiny ballroom
Your life appears to be glamorous and flashy, but it is ultimately empty and superficial.


Next time you bleed, right about this time tomorrow
I anticipate that you will experience a negative consequence for your actions in the near future.


Next time you steal, better ask before you borrow
You should ask permission before taking something that does not belong to you, rather than assuming it is okay to do so.


This label "thief", find a better title suited for you
Calling you a thief is not the most accurate or appropriate way to describe your behavior. Perhaps there is a more fitting label for you.


This tidal wave, is coming down upon you
You will soon face the consequences of your actions and the weight of your wrongdoing will come crashing down on you.


And I don't see too well, don't sing too well
I am not in the best state of mind and am struggling to see clearly or express myself effectively.


And I settle to scream
My frustration and anger have reached a boiling point and I can no longer keep it inside.


Just grab your shit, and leave with it
I want you to take your belongings and leave as quickly as possible.


They won't make no statues of you
Your actions do not warrant any recognition or praise, and you will not be remembered in a positive light.


This time I've forgotten
I am no longer dwelling on the past and have moved on from what has happened.


I swear this shit was rotten
I am certain that what you did was wrong and unacceptable.


This time, I believe it
I am convinced that what I am feeling and what I have seen is true and accurate.


'Cause I've seen the shit you're needin'
I have witnessed the negative behavior and actions that you engage in, and realize that you have issues that need to be addressed.




Lyrics © Regard Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Vikedal, Ryan Anthony Peake

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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