In August 2020, the band announced via Instagram that they would be taking an extended hiatus.
Don't Kill The Messenger
Night Riots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got a god-shaped hole and
A broken soul feeding off of fame What could I do what could I
change? We are not the same
I'm a voiceless mess just obsessed with sex Suck the night's black
tongue
I'm no center of the universe Thinking don't kill the messenger I can
act not just observe Thinking Don't kill the messenger
Lion heart save yourself play your part
Stay on your back where you belong
I'm no center of the universe Thinking don't kill the messenger I can
act not just observe Thinking Don't kill the messenger
I don't know where I'd start Would I even make a spark? Just enough
to break the dark If I could set one light Sometimes embers multiply
Set a fire through the night
I'm awake the whole night through Saying don't kill the messenger
Children vanishing in the news Saying don't kill the messenger
In Night Riots's song "Don't Kill The Messenger", the lyrics revolve around the idea of being drawn to the destructive nature of fire while also being consumed by a need for attention and recognition. The opening lines, "I'm in love with fire, I'm in love with pain," establish this desire for chaos and excitement that the singer is seemingly addicted to. They openly admit to having a "god-shaped hole" and broken soul that they try to fill with the temporary high of fame. Despite recognizing their own flaws and shortcomings, they still feel a sense of superiority over others, claiming that they are "not the same" as everyone else.
The chorus emphasizes the idea of the singer being a messenger, someone who is trying to convey a message or truth to the world. They are aware of their own limitations and imperfections, but still feel compelled to take action and make a change. The lines "Thinking don't kill the messenger, I can act not just observe" demonstrate their willingness to take risks and be proactive, despite the fear of potential failure.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in love with fire I'm in love with fire I'm in love with pain
I have a deep infatuation with destruction and turmoil.
Got a god-shaped hole and A broken soul feeding off of fame
There is an emptiness inside of me that I am trying to fill with attention and recognition from others.
What could I do what could I change? We are not the same
I am struggling to find a way to improve myself and my situation, but I realize that I am different from others.
I'm a voiceless mess just obsessed with sex Suck the night's black tongue
I am a chaotic and desperate individual who is consumed by lust and darkness.
You're in love with fire you're in love with fire And you are never wrong
You have an unhealthy attraction to destruction and believe you are always justified in your actions.
Lion heart save yourself play your part Stay on your back where you belong
Be brave and take care of yourself, but also remember your place and don’t overstep your boundaries.
I don't know where I'd start Would I even make a spark? Just enough to break the dark If I could set one light Sometimes embers multiply Set a fire through the night
I am unsure of how to make a positive impact on the world, but I am willing to try and start small with the hope that it will lead to something greater.
I'm awake the whole night through Saying don't kill the messenger Children vanishing in the news Saying don't kill the messenger
I am constantly aware of the injustices and tragedies happening around me and fear that speaking out will result in retaliation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Travis Hawley, Matt DePauw, Nick Fotinakes, Michael Van Kranenburg, Rico Rodriguez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
FlareneX Flam
"I’m in love with fire I’m in love with fire I’m in love with pain
Got a god-shaped hole and
A broken soul feeding off of fame What could I do what could I
change? We are not the same
I’m a voiceless mess just obsessed with sex Suck the night’s black
tongue
I’m no center of the universe Thinking don’t kill the messenger I can
act not just observe Thinking Don’t kill the messenger
You're in love with fire you're in love with fire And you are never wrong
Lion heart save yourself play your part
Stay on your back where you belong
I’m no center of the universe Thinking don’t kill the messenger I can
act not just observe Thinking Don’t kill the messenger
I don’t know where I'd start Would I even make a spark? Just enough
to break the dark If I could set one light Sometimes embers multiply
Set a fire through the night
I’m awake the whole night through Saying don’t kill the messenger
Children vanishing in the news Saying don’t kill the messenger"
Ohayou_Gothica-Chan
I’m in love with fire I’m in love with fire I’m in love with pain
Got a god-shaped hole and
A broken soul feeding off of fame What could I do what could I
change? We are not the same
I’m a voiceless mess just obsessed with sex Suck the night’s black
tongue
I’m no center of the universe Thinking don’t kill the messenger I can
act not just observe Thinking Don’t kill the messenger
You're in love with fire you're in love with fire And you are never wrong
Lion heart save yourself play your part
Stay on your back where you belong
I’m no center of the universe Thinking don’t kill the messenger I can
act not just observe Thinking Don’t kill the messenger
I don’t know where I'd start Would I even make a spark? Just enough
to break the dark If I could set one light Sometimes embers multiply
Set a fire through the night
I’m awake the whole night through Saying don’t kill the messenger
Children vanishing in the news Saying don’t kill the messenger
Kavyn
I'm in love with fire
I'm in love with fire
I'm in love with pain
Got a God-shaped hole and a broken soul
Feeding off of fame
And what could I do?
What could I change?
We are not the same
I'm a voiceless mess
Just obsessed with sex
Suck the night's black tongue
I'm no center of the universe
Thinking don't kill the messenger
But I can act, not just observe
Thinking don't kill the messenger
Don't kill, don't kill
Don't kill the messenger
You're in love with fire
You're in love with fire
And you are never wrong
Lion heart, save yourself, play your part
Stay on your back where you belong
I'm no center of the universe
Thinking don't kill the messenger
But I can act, not just observe
Thinking don't kill the messenger
I'm no center of the universe
Thinking don't kill the messenger
Don't kill, don't kill
Don't kill the messenger
I don't know where I'd start
Would I even make a spark?
Just enough to break the dark, oh
If I could set one light
Sometimes embers multiply
Set a fire through the night
I'm awake the whole night through
Saying don't kill...
Children vanishing in the news
Saying don't kill...
I'm no center of the universe
Thinking don't kill the messenger
But I can act, not just observe
Thinking don't kill the messenger
I'm no center of the universe
Thinking don't kill the messenger
Don't kill, don't kill
Don't kill the messenger
Don't kill, don't kill
Don't kill the messenger
you can just google it if the lyrics aren't in the video
Jessica Rich
I can't believe I just discovered Night Riots this year. Where have I been? Amazing. Every song.
Emma Williams
Anyone else getting a strong Depeche Mode vibe in the best way possible?
Joanna Hallow
Emma Anderson totally!
Brandon Hirst
Emma Anderson my thoughts exactly
Cayman Jefferson
It's a very post-punk sound, I dig it. It's like classic rock, goth rock, and nu wave had a baby, with light industrial elements.
Oh NO! I said my Opinion!?!
It has this great 80s vibe. I like it. I could easily put this in a playlist with like The Safety Dance, Separate Ways, etc. It even feels like it was a song in GTA Vice City.
moderndarkage
Depece Mode'esque guitar riff
nerdydaddyo
Absolutely addictive song. Some of those lyrics are beyond profound. My favorite : suck the night's black tongue. I'd never think to write that in my lifetime. Really paints a picture of giving in.
Genna Santaquilani
Still listening to this in 2019. Always hits me right in the heart. I feel it in my soul.
stargirlwonders
I love Night Riots so much! Ok that's all