Self vs Self
Pendulum Lyrics


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If I struggle a lifetime
What would my body be?
An empty shell
On what a demon fed

Could be a heavy burden
To stay true to your words
Speak up
I wanna silence everything

If I got no plan
Doesn't mean that I get what I want for free
If I got no meaning
Would you force me to a place where I make sense?
'Cause nothing lasts forever

How do I get home?
Everything revolves around you
If I can't find myself?
As you're so completely fake

How do I get home?
Everything revolves around you
If even you can't help?
Dark nights from my soul

I deny failure
I Ignite
Woe is on my misery
She wins all their eyes

Realize what they find's not fate
This is not me, this is me
So if I struggle a lifetime
What good would that do?

If I got a plan
Doesn't have to stop the feeling inside
If I do make sense
Would you drag me down?
'Cause nothing lasts forever

How do I get home?
Everything revolves around you
If I can't find myself?
As you're so completely fake

How do I get home?
Everything revolves around you




If even you can't help?
Dark nights from my soul

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pendulum feat. In Flames's song Self vs. Self reflect the internal struggle and conflict within oneself. The opening lines express the idea that even after a lifetime of struggles, one's body may end up being an empty shell consumed by dark thoughts and feelings. The song then questions the importance of staying true to one's words, and the burden it can be, especially when dealing with inner demons. The desire to silence everything is expressed to emphasize the need for clarity and peace of mind.


The chorus delves into the idea that everything revolves around the subject’s (possibly a person or a deity) influence, making it impossible for the singer to find themselves. The line, "If even you can't help," could suggest that the person or entity the singer looks towards for guidance is also prone to flaws and weaknesses. The phrase, "Dark nights from my soul," further illustrates the depth of the singer's inner turmoil and sadness.


The bridge of the song finds the singer accepting their imperfections with lines such as, "This is not me, this is me." The song concludes with the realization that it is pointless to struggle and fight endlessly, as nothing lasts forever.


Line by Line Meaning

If I struggle a lifetime
Lifetime struggles are a real possibility and if that happens, what shape would my body take?


What would my body be?
The body may end up becoming an empty shell that evil forces feed on.


An empty shell
The body that is devoid of life, hope, and love.


On what a demon fed
The demon of despair and hopelessness feeds on the empty soul.


Could be a heavy burden
Staying true to one's words can be a challenging task.


To stay true to your words
Maintaining consistency in actions and words is not easy.


Speak up
I want to break the silence and make myself heard.


I wanna silence everything
The silence needs to be broken to find answers.


If I got no plan
Having no plans does not mean that one can get what they want without effort.


Doesn't mean that I get what I want for free
Success comes with hard work, planning, and commitment.


If I got no meaning
The lack of purpose can be overwhelming.


Would you force me to a place where I make sense?
Would you push me towards finding a purpose in life, even though it's uncomfortable?


'Cause nothing lasts forever
There is no permanence in life.


How do I get home?
How can I find my way back to myself?


Everything revolves around you
The world seems to revolve around one person, making it hard to find oneself.


If I can't find myself?
Losing oneself is a possibility, and it can lead to a sense of entrapment.


As you're so completely fake
People or situations may not be what they seem, and this becomes disorienting.


If even you can't help?
Looking to someone else for answers when they are equally lost can be devastating.


Dark nights from my soul
An unsettled spirit can lead to dark thoughts and emotions.


I deny failure
Refusing to accept defeat can be empowering and invigorating.


I Ignite
The act of lighting a spark or reigniting passion is crucial to overcome challenges.


Woe is on my misery
The weight of sadness and sorrow can crush one's spirit.


She wins all their eyes
The allure of negativity and despair can attract attention and admiration from others.


Realize what they find's not fate
What others see may not be destiny or the right path for you.


This is not me, this is me
Discovering one's true identity can be a tumultuous process.


So if I struggle a lifetime
Lifetime struggles are real, but the efforts put into them should result in a sense of fulfillment.


What good would that do?
The struggle should lead to growth, purpose, and meaning.


If I got a plan
Having a plan can give direction and focus.


Doesn't have to stop the feeling inside
A plan should not stifle emotions but instead provide an outlet for them.


If I do make sense
Having clarity and purpose can be empowering.


Would you drag me down?
Would you discourage me, thwart my dreams, or lead me astray from my plan?




Lyrics © O/B/O CAPASSO, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Anders Friden, Bjorn Gelotte, Robert Swire-Thompson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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