Witness
Pinetop Seven Lyrics
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To watch you fall flat trying to walk in his shoes
And laughter it skipped through the trees end to end
"It's just a joke, get over it friend"
Getting sick in swimming pools, your glory in disgrace
What you did to impress him, how he laughed in your face
And zero, she sat on the tip of your tongue
[Chorus:]
You were hoping he'd get his someday
You were hoping it'd hurt the same way, how was that wrong?
He'd lay out your faults with unusual charm
"You're weak" as he looked at the scars on your arm
And his lips curled up in a smile end to end
"It's ok to cry, I'm here for you friend"
[Chorus]
You laid awake nights, your head burned, fists tight
You prayed you'd be there the day he got his
The word to police was he died in his sleep
The reverend's reunion 'tween shepherd and sheep
And the church bells ring but you don't hear the sound
And you're pushed aside as they carry him out
The song "Witness" by Pinetop Seven tells the story of emotional abuse and the satisfaction that comes when the abuser gets his comeuppance. The singer describes how the abuser sets up a watch to delight in the singer's failures and humiliations. The abuser laughs at the singer's attempts to walk in his shoes, and ribald laughter echoes from the trees. The abuser makes fun of the singer when he gets sick in the swimming pool, and when he tries to impress him. The abuser counsels the singer after he has been humiliated, but his empathy is only to deepen the violence of his insults.
The singer longs for the day when the tables will turn, and the abuser will experience the same pain he causes. He also admits to contemplating violence against the abuser, as seen from the lines, "You laid awake nights, your head burned, fists tight, You prayed you'd be there the day he got his." When the abuser dies, the singer experiences no sympathy or regret, and the world moves on without acknowledging the hurt that he has gone through. The song is a commentary on the dual desires of revenge and justice and also highlights the psychological trauma and lasting impact of emotional abuse on the victim.
Line by Line Meaning
He staked out a place where the view would be good
He found a comfortable spot with a good view to watch the subject fail
To watch you fall flat trying to walk in his shoes
To see you suffer as you try to imitate him
And laughter it skipped through the trees end to end
His laughter echoed in the surroundings
"It's just a joke, get over it friend"
"I'm just kidding, don't take it seriously"
Getting sick in swimming pools, your glory in disgrace
You were humiliated after showing off and falling ill in pools
What you did to impress him, how he laughed in your face
He mocked you for what you did to impress him
And zero, she sat on the tip of your tongue
You had so much to say but you were unable to speak
Had plenty to say but your mouth had gone numb
You had so much to say but were speechless due to fear
[Chorus:] You were hoping he'd get his someday
You wished for his downfall
You were hoping it'd hurt the same way, how was that wrong?
You believed he deserved to suffer and didn't see the harm in it
He'd lay out your faults with unusual charm
He pointed out your errors in an oddly charming manner
"You're weak" as he looked at the scars on your arm
"You're vulnerable" he said as he saw your scars
And his lips curled up in a smile end to end
He was pleased with himself and smiled
"It's ok to cry, I'm here for you friend"
"It's alright to cry, I'm here for you"
[Chorus]
You wanted to see him suffer and wished for his downfall
You laid awake nights, your head burned, fists tight
You were sleepless at night, feeling angry and helpless
You prayed you'd be there the day he got his
You hoped to witness his downfall
The word to police was he died in his sleep
The authorities were informed of his sudden death
The reverend's reunion 'tween shepherd and sheep
The preacher's sermon about the reunion between the righteous and the sinners
And the church bells ring but you don't hear the sound
The church bells ring but you're lost in thought
And you're pushed aside as they carry him out
You're ignored and forgotten as they remove his dead body
Lyrics © FRED BOCK MUSIC CO.,INC.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind