You Know My Name
Poets of the Fall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Odds are, you won't like what it is
When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me?
By the merciless eyes I've deceived?
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights
But you yourself are nothing so divine
Just next in line
Arm yourself because no-one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you
Are you willing to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
You know my name
If you come inside things will not be the same
When you return to the night
And if you think you've won
You never saw me change
The game that we have been playing
I've seen diamonds cut through harder men
Than you yourself
But if you must pretend
You may meet your end
Arm yourself because no-one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you
Are you willing to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
Try to hide your hand
Forget how to feel
(Forget how to feel)
Life is gone with just a spin of the wheel
(Spin of the wheel)
Arm yourself because no-one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you
Are you willing to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
You know my name (7x)
The lyrics of Poets of the Fall's song "You Know My Name" are about a man who is unfazed by the consequences of his actions. He questions if those who take a life or perform other immoral acts know what they're really giving, and that they usually won't like the outcome. He's also asking if someone would be willing to associate with him when a storm arrives, and if they'll still see him the same way after realizing he's deceived them.
The song's protagonist has been able to witness angels fall from blinding heights, and believes that the listener is nothing so divine, just next in line. He argues that the listener should arm themselves because nobody else will save them, as the odds will betray them. He says that he will replace them in the game that they have been playing, and that they must accept that the prize could never fulfill them and instead longs to kill them eventually. The lyrics are a warning that they have to be willing to die, as the coldest blood runs through his veins.
The song is suggesting that there are no good or bad people in the world, just individuals who are willing to commit actions that others would find either moral or immoral. Furthermore, it highlights that even the desirable outcome has a dangerous side, and that success or rewards of any kind often come with a price. Ultimately, the lyrics convey that there is a high cost for every decision made, with the coldest blood being the drive to take any action needed to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
If you take a life do you know what you'll give?
Are you aware of the consequences of taking a life?
Odds are, you won't like what it is
Chances are that the outcome won't be in your favor
When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me?
Will you stand by my side during the tough times?
By the merciless eyes I've deceived?
Even when I have lied to you in the past?
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights
I have witnessed great beings fall from grace
But you yourself are nothing so divine
But you, in comparison, are not as great
Just next in line
You are just a regular person, nothing special
Arm yourself because no-one else here will save you
You should be prepared to defend yourself since no one else will do it for you
The odds will betray you
The likelihood of success may not be in your favor
And I will replace you
I will take your place if you fail
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
You may not be satisfied with the reward, even if you achieve it
It longs to kill you
The temptation to attain the prize may lead to your downfall
Are you willing to die?
Are you willing to risk your life for this?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
I am ruthless and unfeeling
If you come inside things will not be the same
Entering my world will change you
When you return to the night
When you leave my world and go back to your own
And if you think you've won
If you believe you have succeeded
You never saw me change
You did not notice the way I evolved my strategy
The game that we have been playing
The situation we have been maneuvering in
I've seen diamonds cut through harder men
I have seen strong men crumble under pressure
Than you yourself
Stronger than you
But if you must pretend
If you choose to put on an act
You may meet your end
You may suffer the consequences
Try to hide your hand
Try to conceal your intentions
Forget how to feel
Become immune to emotions
Life is gone with just a spin of the wheel
Life can be taken away with no warning
You know my name
You know who I am and what I am capable of
Contributed by Camilla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@PoetsOfTheFallBand
(Surprisingly it's always Finnish people who say comments like these...) We'd appreciate if you guys stopped comparing this to the original. Chris Cornell is one of the greatest singers of all time, and this is simply our humble interpretation of the song. Just enjoy it (or don't), no need to make any pointless comparisons. :) Peace!
@nathanchase6401
How kind of you to underestimate your own beautiful voice
@PrinceTMATHEW
Nathan Chase cause they know who is chris
@sakuhaapakka2693
Aah but it's so hard not to compare this to the original, because it's actually hard to say which one is better. I've now listened to both multiple times. I've come to the conclusion that it's impossible to say which one is better, they are just different, but both superb. This version is defineatly on the same level as the original. No denying that.
Sorry POTF, just can't help but compare! >:D
@59sharmanalin
Love from India POTF is an outstanding band the only band i paid to watch, I love Chris cornell.. his version evokes different wild emotions and POTF is suave and balanced as usual. No need for comparison as this was their own interpretation without trying to remotely copy the original, Appreciated! please do more covers!
@nicknelson4719
It makes me smile a great smile to see you acknowledge Chris Cornell that way. I agree, and love both versions.
@SailorMoon5555
13 years later, and this cover still slaps hard.
@aljeya_plays
Wait what? 2009 was 13 years ago?
@PoetsOfTheFallBand
Guys, First of all, thanks for your great feedback! When The Voice asked us to record a live cover of our choice for them, we pondered long and hard, and finally chose this song (it had been playing in our heads anyway since the Bond film). The end result is here, and we intended it as a tribute to a great song and vocalist. We would be very happy if you guys stopped comparisons between this and the original, since that was never our intention. Just enjoy whichever version you like. :) Thanks!
@khaliljack6138
You my godfather