Blackman's first album 'The Lights of Home' was released in March 2013.
If You Only Knew
Rupert Blackman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They think you're mad.
They call you stupid, worthless, tell you you're not worth it.
Now you're walkin' back, to a place you call home,
but you feel so alone.
The same hurtful hits, it's your darker place.
And if they, if they really knew all of those things.
That you do in your room, to hide the pain.
I bet their minds would change.
I'll bet their minds would change.
The lyrics of Rupert Blackman's "If You Only Knew" paint a picture of someone who is struggling with the pain of being judged and ostracized by others. The first three lines represent the cruel statements and thoughts that have been directed at this person, leading them to question their worth and sense of belonging. Even though they are returning to a place they consider home, they still feel alone, constantly reminded of the hurtful words that have been thrown their way.
The next few lines suggest that this is not the first time this person has experienced such negativity from others - this is their "darker place", a space where they have retreated to before, feeling victimized and powerless. The final lines of the first verse reveal that the person has resorted to self-preservation tactics, engaging in behaviors that may provide temporary relief from the pain inflicted by others. However, they feel a sense of shame or guilt for these actions, as if they only make them more vulnerable to accusation.
The chorus reveals the core of the song's message - that if those who judge and belittle this person knew the extent of their struggles and the lengths they go to cope with them, they would see them in a different light. This person yearns for empathy, compassion, and understanding from those who have cast them in such an unforgiving light, believing that if only they could see the person behind the behavior, their minds would change.
Overall, "If You Only Knew" is a poignant portrayal of the pain and isolation that come with being misunderstood and judged harshly by others. The lyrics speak to the human desire for connection and empathy, highlighting the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion rather than judgement and cruelty.
Line by Line Meaning
They think you're crazy.
People perceive you as insane and unstable.
They think you're mad.
Others believe that you are angry or agitated.
They call you stupid, worthless, tell you you're not worth it.
They insult and devalue you, making you feel inadequate and insignificant.
Now you're walkin' back, to a place you call home, but you feel so alone.
Despite returning to a familiar physical location, you feel emotionally isolated and unsupported.
The same hurtful hits, it's your darker place.
Negative comments and criticism are consistently inflicted upon you, leading to a bleak state of mind.
In your virgin ears, the remarks they make.
The insults directed at you are particularly harsh and piercing, affecting you deeply.
And if they, if they really knew all of those things.
If those who talked negatively about you had complete awareness of your personal circumstances and thoughts,
That you do in your room, to hide the pain.
including the actions you take to conceal your emotional distress in private,
I bet their minds would change.
it is possible that their opinions of you would shift.
Contributed by Gabriel C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.