Pompeii has received worldwide attention and critical acclaim from such outlets as American Songwriter Magazine, Alternative Press, Filter, NPR, Apple and MTV.
The band is currently working on a third full length.
Numbers
Pompeii Lyrics
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"I've seen those nights where you binge and purge"
Those locks on your doors tell me when you're crouched on all fours
Counting tile, losing bile and sleep.
"it's just a diet, I've kept it quiet. Even if you told all my family and
Friends they would never believe it."
I think you're right. I can't believe it too
That it's you, but it's you.
My problems hide in numbers that leave when I gag and heave,
I weighed out every option, that scale's not fit for advice.
Medical language won't ever help to shape this if that mind is just as frail
As it's frame.
You know I'd leave it alone.
We can beat genetics, adopting new aesthetics for beautiful bodies, figures
Ever-so-slender
Taking control, oh. oh, what a nice, nice thing.
Besides, my problems hide in numbers that leave when I gag and heave
And heaving's kind of hard with your hands tied round your waist.
Point out the obvious, tell me just how dangerous
Then bundle every fight in an "isn't right" and leave it alone.
The song "Numbers" by Pompeii is a hauntingly beautiful piece that tackles the complex and sensitive issue of eating disorders. The lyrics depict the singer's attempt to reach out to a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder, but is in denial about it. The first line, "Came at you in silence, my back at the wall," suggests that the interaction is already fraught with tension and difficulty. The singer tries to broach the subject delicately, expressing their concern for the person's well-being by referencing "those nights where you binge and purge." The locks on the person's doors imply that they are trying to hide their behavior, but the singer can tell when they are engaged in their patterns of "counting tile, losing bile, and sleep."
The person insists that it's just a diet, and even if the singer were to tell their family and friends, they would "never believe it." The singer acknowledges that they themselves can hardly believe it, despite knowing it to be true. In the second verse, the singer confesses their own struggles with numbers, which "hide" their problems. They have "weighed out every option," but the scale cannot provide meaningful advice. They recognize that medical language alone cannot help to "shape this" if the person's mind is "just as frail as its frame." Throughout the song, the repeated refrain of "leave it alone" underscores the feeling of helplessness and frustration that both the singer and the person they are addressing are experiencing.
Line by Line Meaning
Came at you in silence, my back at the wall.
I approached you quietly with a feeling of vulnerability.
"I've seen those nights where you binge and purge"
I have observed and recognized your disordered eating habits.
Those locks on your doors tell me when you're crouched on all fours
Counting tile, losing bile and sleep.
Your private behavior shows that you're struggling with counting and regimenting your actions.
"it's just a diet, I've kept it quiet. Even if you told all my family and
Friends they would never believe it."
You've convinced yourself that your unhealthy behavior is normal and justified.
I think you're right. I can't believe it too
That it's you, but it's you.
I admit that I am surprised, but I know that it's really you with these issues.
My problems hide in numbers that leave when I gag and heave,
My mental and physical challenges seem to lessen when I purge.
I weighed out every option, that scale's not fit for advice.
I've considered many courses of action, but using a scale to determine how to treat my problems is not helpful.
Medical language won't ever help to shape this if that mind is just as frail
As it's frame.
Just relying on medical terminology to fix my issues won't be effective if I don't address my underlying mental state.
You know I'd leave it alone.
I understand that trying to help might push you away, so I won't pursue the issue further if you don't want me to.
We can beat genetics, adopting new aesthetics for beautiful bodies, figures
Ever-so-slender
Taking control, oh. oh, what a nice, nice thing.
We can overcome our predispositions by changing our mindset to value thin, aesthetically pleasing bodies and taking control of our physical appearance.
Besides, my problems hide in numbers that leave when I gag and heave
And heaving's kind of hard with your hands tied round your waist.
My issues are tied to my eating habits, but it's hard to address them when I feel restricted by outside forces.
Point out the obvious, tell me just how dangerous
Then bundle every fight in an "isn't right" and leave it alone.
You try to highlight how unsafe my behavior is, but then you downplay the severity and stop trying to help.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DUVAL A. CLEAR, PARIS WELLS, STEPHEN STRICKLIN, VINSON JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@henshu9773
Lyrics:
Came at you in silence, my back at the wall.
"I've seen those nights where you binge and purge"
Those locks on your doors tell me when you're crouched on all fours
Counting tile, losing bile and sleep.
"it's just a diet, I've kept it quiet. Even if you told all my family and
Friends they would never believe it."
I think you're right. I can't believe it too
That it's you, but it's you.
My problems hide in numbers that leave when I gag and heave,
I weighed out every option, that scale's not fit for advice.
Medical language won't ever help to shape this if that mind is just as frail
As it's frame.
You know I'd leave it alone.
We can beat genetics, adopting new aesthetics for beautiful bodies, figures
Ever-so-slender
Taking control, oh. oh, what a nice, nice thing.
Besides, my problems hide in numbers that leave when I gag and heave
And heaving's kind of hard with your hands tied round your waist.
Point out the obvious, tell me just how dangerous
Then bundle every fight in an "isn't right" and leave it alone.
@chibiabarai6923
Omg, i remember listenin to this when i was deep into my ED. For those of who think it'll never end, the only person who can end this is you, and it will get better. Trust me. 💙
@ennaeerdnatedraf9776
Same ❤️
@Bella-tz3uq
Damn these bring back memories. I'm proud to say that I'm fully recovered and havent relapsed in 3 years. I was forced into therapy and went home crying for so many nights. I didnt think I could ever stop but I'm telling you its gets better. I never thought I'd say this but I love my body, and you should too. Stay strong 💖
@morgandaisy9881
"It's just a diet."
:(
@arielm1374
I remember listening to this song when I was 13 and struggling with my ED and SH. Fast forward: I'm turning 25 this year and I've been to treatment many times and been SH free for almost a year. I've turned to drugs however. Oh how the tables have turned.
@Alice58302
Sorry for messaging you, i hope you're doing well💕
@fuzzybuzzy3159
Relapsing and not seeking help, songs like this are a good vent. Don't give sympathy or tell me I need to change, I am aware. Just let me breathe.
@Cinnamon-Toast
This song... when I was 16 I got a nice little trip to the doctor... told me a lot of hard things. 18 now, still struggling. But it’s better. It’s hard to get better but it happens. Please get help everyone. Stay safe, much love, and all best to everyone here ❤️
@mccraezeem5291
You doing better now?
@Cinnamon-Toast
@@mccraezeem5291 much better. 20 years old now and recovered, weight restored, and so thankful. I didn't know life was good anymore when I was sick. It's worth the work. Every bit. Thank you for asking :) I hope you have a lovely day and are doing excellent yourself. Please be safe ❤