Behind Closed Doors
Passafire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Away from the window display
Let's get on the road today
Awaiting us, a brand new way
It is, but it isn't
People always taking, never giving
The dead must be laughing at the living
Oh man, you've got to find yourself
Responsible
Before the whole world's in a hospital
Every single time that you promise you will
You just can't sit still, you just need more
Down-presser man in a three piece suit
Thinking that his people gonna burn and loot tonight
Well, he's right... Well, he's right
Down-presser man in a three piece suit
Thinking that his people gonna burn and loot tonight
Well, he's right... Well, he's right
You're responsible
Before the whole world's in a hospital
Every single time that you promise you will
You just can't sit still, you just need more
You are impossible to figure out
How you could toss the world around
You juggle just like a clown
Behind closed doors
The first verse encourages the listener to leave behind their current situation, which may feel like a staged display to others watching through a metaphorical window. The promise of a fresh start awaits, but the lyrics hint at a deeper issue with society. The line, "It is, but it isn't," suggests that despite the seemingly new path ahead, there will always be problems that follow. The next lines express frustration with those who take advantage of others without giving in return, which connects to the idea that the dead are laughing at the living because of our misguided priorities. The chorus reiterates the concept of responsibility, as the actions of individuals can affect the collective world, and the idea of always wanting more drives them to constantly break promises and never feel satisfied.
The second verse describes an oppressive figure in power, depicted as a "down-presser man in a three piece suit." This person expects rebellion from the masses and prepares for it, showing that they understand the injustices they've placed on others, yet continue to do so. The repetition of the phrase, "Well, he's right," calls attention to the inevitability of unrest when treated unfairly. The chorus repeats the call for responsibility and the need for action to avoid a disastrous future. The final line of the song, "Behind closed doors," could refer to the deceptive nature of those in power, hinting that corruption and manipulation are rampant even if hidden from view.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you want to run away
Are you feeling overwhelmed and desire to escape?
Away from the window display
Do you wish to remove yourself from the superficiality of society?
Let's get on the road today
Let's depart on an adventure and discover something new.
Awaiting us, a brand new way
There's an undiscovered path ahead of us.
It is, but it isn't
Life can be a mixed bag, and often, things are not as they seem.
People always taking, never giving
It seems that individuals frequently take rather than give.
The dead must be laughing at the living
The dead are likely amused at the superficiality of living individuals.
Oh man, you've got to find yourself
You must discover and comprehend yourself.
Responsible
You must take accountability for your actions.
Before the whole world's in a hospital
Before it's too late and the world collapses, we must act.
Every single time that you promise you will
Whenever you make a commitment or pledge to act, to follow through with it.
You just can't sit still, you just need more
You can't remain complacent and require more from life.
Down-presser man in a three-piece suit
A cruel and overbearing individual who wears a three-piece suit.
Thinking that his people gonna burn and loot tonight
Believing that his individuals will cause destruction and havoc.
Well, he's right... Well, he's right
Unfortunately, he's correct about the course of events.
You're responsible
You are accountable and must act accordingly.
You are impossible to figure out
You're enigmatic and challenging to deduce.
How you could toss the world around
You appear to have the ability to manipulate and influence the world around you.
You juggle just like a clown
You're able to balance numerous responsibilities and obligations like a performer at the circus.
Behind closed doors
Privately, secretly, or unknown to others.
Contributed by Samantha J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Brad Foley
Love Passafire! This used to be one of only a couple songs I didn't like of theirs, then I heard them play this live in Berkeley a few years ago and it totally changed my opinion
kaffymacamusic
Such an awesome band! one of my favourites
Nick Yohe
more relevant than ever in these times it seems, but maybe it's always held its truth so highly -- now technology defogs the opaqueness of power
tad bagwell
reminds me of the specials