Where Do I Hide
Nickelback Lyrics


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Got a criminal record, I can't cross state lines
First on the bad list and you're last on mine
Looking for a scapegoat, long past due
Walking down the aisle, staring straight at you

I still hear him screaming, "Where do I hide?"
And now he asks, I say, hurry inside
He said, she said, no, she don't
Be back before morning and you know she won't
Well, I remember that summer like yesterday
And I remember his mother, as he was dragged away

I still hear him screaming, "Where do I hide?"
And now he asks, I say, hurry inside
A whole lot of memory, yours and not mine
And now he asks and I say, hurry inside

Got a criminal record, I can't cross state lines
First on the bad list and you're last on mine
Looking for a scapegoat, long past due
Walking down the aisle, staring straight at you

I still hear him screaming, "Where do I hide?"
And now he asks, I say, hurry inside
A whole lot of memory, yours and not mine

And now he asks and I say, hurry inside
Where do I hide?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Where Do I Hide" by Nickelback are indicative of a troubled past and present, punctuated by guilt and fear of retribution. The main character has a criminal record, which prohibits him from crossing state lines. The first line of the song reveals that he is at the top of someone's bad list, linking his troubles to a specific individual. The second line implies that the individual is attempting to put the blame on someone else by seeking a scapegoat, but it is too late for that.


As the song progresses, we learn that the main character is haunted by memories of a particular moment in time. The specific summer he remembers is likely the one in which he committed his crime, and the last time he saw his victim's mother before he was dragged away. The chorus insists on this haunting memory to the point that the victim is still screaming, where do he hide? The singer attempts to escape these memories by hiding inside, only to realize that his past is not his alone to hide from.


The song implies that the main character's guilt may be catching up with him in the form of fear of retribution from the individual seeking a scapegoat. He realizes that he cannot escape his past, and that he must confront the consequences of his actions. The lyrics suggest that the answer to the question, "Where Do I Hide?" is, "Nowhere, you can't. You must face the consequences of your actions."


Line by Line Meaning

Got a criminal record, I can't cross state lines
I have committed crimes that legally prevent me from leaving this state.


First on the bad list, and you're last on mine
You are the least important to me and I am the most important on your list of enemies.


Lookin' for a scapegoat, long past due
I am searching for someone to blame for my problems, and it's long overdue.


Walking down the aisle, still straining you
Even though we are walking down the aisle together, I am still putting a lot of pressure on you.


Still hear you screaming where do I hide?
I can still hear you asking for a place to hide from me.


All he asks, I said hurry inside
In response to his request for a hiding spot, I told him to hurry inside.


He said, she said, no she don't
There are conflicting stories and no one is telling the truth.


Be back before morning, you know she won't
She promised to come back before morning, but we both know she won't keep her promise.


I remember that summer, like yesterday
I have vivid memories of that summer, and it feels like it was just yesterday.


And I remember his mother, as he was dragged away
I also remember the mother of the person who was being taken away, as she watched him being dragged away.


A whole lot of memory, yours and not mine
There are a lot of memories of our past together, but they are your memories and not mine.


Where do I hide?
I am asking for a place to hide from you.




Lyrics © 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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