Pulley's debut, Esteem Driven Engine, was released in 1996 by Epitaph. Riddle joined No Use for a Name full-time soon afterwards and was replaced by Tyler Rebbe. Follow-ups included 60 Cycle Hum in 1997 and their eponymous third album in 1999.
They also released Together Again for the First Time (after the death of Jim Cherry) and Matters, both showing their disillusionment with the aging out of the 'old' scene.
if
Pulley Lyrics
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I'm not a creature in a circus freak show
Really like to be
Don't feel sorry but there's always pity here
I don't feel sorry for you
Not asking myself to do anything
Waste my time with that
Brighten up this picture one day
Make me laugh
Trying something
What has not been done before
There's nothing left to do
Not asking myself to do anything
What if once I've started building something up
Just to watch it fall, pick it up again
See the pieces right in front of me
Pick it up again, I'm on my way
If you're running 'round
If you're running 'round
There's nothing left for me
There's nothing left for me
If
Nothing left for me
Nothing left for me
Nothing left for me
...
The lyrics of 'If' by Pulley depict a person facing a crisis in their life. The lyrics begin with the singer questioning the reality of their situation and feeling like they do not belong anywhere. They long for a more meaningful existence, one that is not like a circus freak show where they are on display for others to gawk at. They express their frustration at the lack of understanding and empathy from others and do not want any pity. They are independent and strong enough to not need anyone's approval or validation. The singer then talks about wanting to venture into new and uncharted territories, but is hesitant because they do not want to waste their time or effort.
Despite the doubts and uncertainties, the singer is determined to try something new that has not been done before. Even if it means, they might fail and everything they have built will come crashing down. They are not afraid to start over again and pick up the pieces. The chorus of the song, "If you're running 'round, There's nothing left for me", is about the singer making a conscious decision to let go of anyone or anything that is holding them back. They refuse to waste their time on people who do not align with their values or beliefs.
Overall, the lyrics of 'If' are about a person searching for meaning, purpose and self-discovery. They refuse to be defined by the opinions of others and are constantly pushing themselves to try new things even if it means falling and getting back up again.
Line by Line Meaning
What the fuck is really going on with me?
I'm feeling lost and confused about my life.
I'm not a creature in a circus freak show
I won't be a spectacle for people to gawk at.
Really like to be
I prefer to be myself, not someone else.
Don't feel sorry but there's always pity here
I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, but it happens anyway.
I don't feel sorry for you
I'm not going to waste my time feeling bad for someone else.
Not asking myself to do anything
I'm not putting pressure on myself to meet any expectations.
Going places where I've only dream to go
I'm pursuing my aspirations and dreams even if it takes me to unknown places.
Waste my time with that
I'm not going to waste my time on anything else.
Brighten up this picture one day
I hope to make my future brighter and better.
Make me laugh
I seek joy and happiness in my life.
Trying something
I'm taking a risk and trying something new.
What has not been done before
I'm doing something that has not been attempted before.
There's nothing left to do
There are no more options for me to consider.
What if once I've started building something up
I wonder what would happen if I invested time and effort into something.
Just to watch it fall, pick it up again
Even if I experience a setback, I'm not giving up.
See the pieces right in front of me
I'm aware of the problems or obstacles in front of me.
Pick it up again, I'm on my way
I'm going to keep going and not let obstacles stop me.
If you're running 'round
If you keep moving without a clear direction or purpose.
There's nothing left for me
I can't follow others blindly, and I need to find my own path.
Nothing left for me
I can't rely on anyone but myself at the end of the day.
Nothing left for me
I need to be self-sufficient and find my own way in life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAD HUGO, CORNELL HAYNES, PHARRELL L. WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind