Fences
Paramore搀 Lyrics

I'm sitting in a room
The singer is describing their physical location in a room with big white walls.

Made up of only big white walls
The room the singer is in is characterized by its white walls, which suggests sterility and a lack of emotional warmth.

And in the halls
The singer is indicating that there are other people outside the room, presumably watching them through the windows and doors.

There are people looking through the window and the door
The people outside are actively spying on or observing the singer and others in the room.

They know exactly what we're here for
The people outside the room are aware of the purpose or reason for the singer and their companions being in the room.

Don't look up, just let them think
The singer is advising their companions not to acknowledge or react to the people watching them - instead, they should allow them to continue to speculate and wonder.

There's no place else you'd rather be
Despite feeling trapped in this sterile room, the singer believes that there is nowhere else their companions would rather be.

You're always on display
The singer is warning their companions that they are constantly being watched and scrutinized by outsiders.

For everyone to watch and learn from
The people outside the room are observing and taking note of the behavior of the singer and their companions.

Don't you know by now
The singer is expressing frustration at their companions for not being aware of the situation they are in and the scrutiny they are under.

You can't turn back
The singer is recognizing that their companions are trapped in this situation and cannot easily free themselves from it.

Because this road is all you'll ever have
The singer suggests that their companions have no other options or paths available to them.

And it's obvious that you're dying, dying
The singer is acknowledging that the constant scrutiny and pressure may be taking a toll on their companions, perhaps both literally and figuratively.

Just living proof that the camera's lying
The singer suggests that the images or impressions created by the people outside the room are not always truthful, and are sometimes manipulated.

And oh, oh open wide
The singer is urging their companions to be more outwardly expressive in order to make the most of their situation.

'Cause this is your night, so smile
The singer is reminding their companions that they are in the spotlight and should therefore make the most of it by appearing happy and confident.

'Cause you'll go out in style
The singer suggests that their companions can leave this situation with dignity and respect, as long as they handle it properly.

If you let me I could
The singer is offering to help their companions by providing advice or guidance.

I'd show you how to build your fences
The singer suggests that it would be beneficial for their companions to set limits and boundaries for themselves, in order to protect themselves from the scrutiny of outsiders.

Set restrictions
The singer is continuing to encourage their companions to set boundaries for themselves in order to protect their emotional wellbeing.

Separate from the world
The singer suggests that their companions should disconnect themselves from the outside world and focus on their own inner lives.

The constant battle that you hate to fight
The singer acknowledges that the constant scrutiny and pressure their companions face is a source of stress and difficulty for them.

Just blame the limelight
The singer offers a possible explanation for the source of their companions' stress and hardship: the intense, public attention that is focused on them.

Yeah, yeah you're asking for it
The singer accuses their companions of contributing to their own situation or bringing unnecessary trouble onto themselves.

With every breath that you breathe in
The singer suggests that their companions' behavior and actions are the cause of the unwanted attention they are receiving.

Just breathe it in
The singer is suggesting that their companions should simply accept their situation and make the most of it.

Yeah, yeah well you're just a mess
The singer is criticizing their companions for not presenting a polished, confident image to the outside world.

You do all this big talking
The singer is criticizing their companions for not living up to the expectations or image they have created for themselves.

So now let's see you walking
The singer is challenging their companions to back up their words with actions and demonstrate true confidence and competence.

And oh, oh open wide
The singer is again urging their companions to be more open and expressive.

Cause you'll go out in style
The singer reiterates that their companions can leave this situation with dignity and respect if they handle it properly.