Subtle Words
Pentimento Lyrics


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I continue to wonder to myself if it ever had occurred to you
That pulling out the bricks might cause Our Walls to crumble.

Oh, what subtle words you use to make things up
To hide how you have changed and what you've become.

All in all you just wanted a place to belong. (where you're never wrong)
How quickly everything changes.
Once I'm gone, I'm gone for good.

Oh, what strong words you use to make things up
About the ways you swear that I've changed.
But I don't feel shame for not feeling guilt for what I've become.
Until I'm bones in a box, I never will.

I never have. I never will.

Oh, what subtle words you use to make things up
About the ways you swear that I've changed.
But I don't feel shame for not feeling guilt for what I've become.
Until I'm bones in a box, I never will.

I never have. I never will.





I never...

Overall Meaning

The song "Subtle Words" by Pentimento explores the theme of change and how it can impact relationships. It suggests that change isn't always positive, and can lead to the crumbling of walls that have been built up between people. The lyrics convey a sense of regret and disappointment, as the singer wonders if the person they were once close to ever considered the consequences of their actions. The use of the phrase "subtle words" and "strong words" suggests that communication is key in any relationship, and that the way we express ourselves can have a profound impact on those around us.


The first verse begins by expressing the singer's uncertainty about whether their former friend or partner ever considered the impact of their actions. By pulling out the bricks that serve as the foundation for their relationship, they have caused the walls between them to crumble. This metaphor suggests that the relationship was built on a fragile foundation, and that the slightest disturbance can lead to its collapse.


The chorus highlights the use of "subtle words" by the other person to make up for their own shortcomings. By hiding behind language and pretending that nothing has changed, they are avoiding taking responsibility for their actions. This is contrasted with the singer, who acknowledges that they have changed but does not feel shame or guilt for it. The final line of the chorus - "Once I'm gone, I'm gone for good" - reinforces the idea that the relationship has been irreparably damaged.


In the final verse, the singer repeats the phrase "Oh, what subtle words you use to make things up" but changes it slightly to "about the ways you swear that I've changed". This suggests that the other person is projecting their own feelings onto the singer, blaming them for something that isn't their fault. The repeated statement "I never have. I never will" reinforces the sense of finality and closure, suggesting that the relationship cannot be salvaged.


Line by Line Meaning

I continue to wonder to myself if it ever had occurred to you
I keep thinking if you ever realized that your actions could have a devastating impact on everything we built together


That pulling out the bricks might cause Our Walls to crumble.
Your behavior of breaking apart and tearing down everything we created can lead to our downfall


Oh, what subtle words you use to make things up
You use deceitful language to create fabricated stories


To hide how you have changed and what you've become.
To hide your true self, your transformation, and the things you have done


All in all you just wanted a place to belong. (where you're never wrong)
You just wanted to fit in somewhere, where you didn't have to face the consequences of your actions


How quickly everything changes.
Everything changed abruptly and unexpectedly


Once I'm gone, I'm gone for good.
If I leave, I won't come back


Oh, what strong words you use to make things up
You use powerful words to create false stories


About the ways you swear that I've changed.
You claim that I have changed in ways that are not true


But I don't feel shame for not feeling guilt for what I've become.
I don't feel any remorse or regret for what I have become


Until I'm bones in a box, I never will.
I will never feel differently, even after I die


I never have. I never will.
I have always been this way, and I will always be


I never...
The song ends abruptly, perhaps indicating unresolved issues or ongoing struggles




Contributed by Jonathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@reak9872

This is beautiful, sharing it with all of my friends.

@benomidfinger

This is great stuff. Congrats, guys!

@vonmelomane

absolutely beautiful

@celestialanatomy

I continue to wonder to myself if it ever had occurred to you
That pulling out the bricks might cause Our Walls to crumble.
Oh, what subtle words you use to make things up
To hide how you have changed and what you've become.
All in all you just wanted a place to belong. (where you're never wrong)
How quickly everything changes.
Once I'm gone, I'm gone for good.
Oh, what strong words you use to make things up
About the ways you swear that I've changed.
But I don't feel shame for not feeling guilt for what I've become.
Until I'm bones in a box, I never will.
I never have. I never will.
Oh, what subtle words you use to make things up
About the ways you swear that I've changed.
But I don't feel shame for not feeling guilt for what I've become.
Until I'm bones in a box, I never will.
I never have. I never will.
I never...

@makaylacannon1777

Incredible

@lindahansen4004

Iam moved. its like the calm and then the storm.