SECOND HAND EMOTION
Saytr Play Lyrics
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I think I heard a rumour that you′ve gone insane
I would have called you sooner
But the time, it doesn't wait for heathens
All day
I waited for the silence but he never came
Now say a prayer for equals
Sit up straight, no talking back
Don't swear in front of mother
Middle child, please, don't you cry
Controlled by those above us
What are we living for
What are we living for
My second hand emotion
My second hand emotion
Stop, wait
A moment please for England
′Cause she′s lost her way infected by the system
And the time, that doesn't wait for heathens
Sit up straight, no talking back
Don′t swear in front of mother
Middle child, please, don't you cry
Controlled by those above us
What are we living for
What are we living for
My second hand emotion
My second hand emotion
Can′t feel without it
Can't think without it
Can′t talk about it
Can't live without it
Can't feel without it
Can′t think without it
Can′t talk about it
Can't live without it
My second hand emotion
My second hand emotion
What are we living for
What are we living for
What are we living for
What are we living for
The lyrics to Saytr Play's song "Second Hand Emotion" convey a sense of frustration and discontent with the world. The opening lines suggest that there is a rumor that someone has gone insane, but the singer couldn't reach out earlier because time doesn't wait for people who are considered unconventional or different ("heathens"). There is a longing for silence, for a moment of respite, but it never comes. The singer then asks for a prayer for equality and criticizes a system that seems to have injured England, suggesting that the country has lost its way and been infected by a flawed system. The repetition of "my second hand emotion" implies a feeling of detachment or disconnect, as if the emotions being experienced are not genuine or original, but rather borrowed or learned.
The verses also touch upon issues of control and suppression. The instruction to sit up straight, not talk back, and not swear in front of mother indicates a stifling environment where individual expression is discouraged. The middle child is asked not to cry, showing that vulnerability is discouraged too. The repeated question of "What are we living for" reflects a sense of existential uncertainty and a yearning for purpose.
Overall, the song captures a sense of disillusionment and frustration with societal norms and expectations, emphasizing the need for authentic emotions and questioning the purpose of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop, wait
Pause and hold on
I think I heard a rumour that you've gone insane
I've heard speculation that you've lost your sanity
I would have called you sooner
I should have contacted you earlier
But the time, it doesn't wait for heathens
Unfortunately, time doesn't pause for the sinful or ungodly
All day
Throughout the entire day
I waited for the silence but he never came
I yearned for a quiet moment, but it never arrived
Now say a prayer for equals
Now offer a prayer for equality
And the time, that doesn't wait for heathens
And time, unfortunately, waits for no sinner or nonbeliever
Sit up straight, no talking back
Maintain good posture, with no objections or defiance
Don't swear in front of mother
Refain from using profanity in our mother's presence
Middle child, please, don't you cry
Middle child, please, refrain from shedding tears
Controlled by those above us
Influenced and governed by those in a position of authority
What are we living for
What is our purpose in life
My second hand emotion
My derived or imitated feeling
A moment please for England
Allow a brief moment to focus on England
'Cause she's lost her way infected by the system
Because England has strayed from its path due to being influenced by the corrupt system
Sit up straight, no talking back
Maintain good posture, with no objections or defiance
Don't swear in front of mother
Refain from using profanity in our mother's presence
Middle child, please, don't you cry
Middle child, please, refrain from shedding tears
Controlled by those above us
Influenced and governed by those in a position of authority
What are we living for
What is our purpose in life
My second hand emotion
My derived or imitated feeling
Can't feel without it
Unable to experience emotions without it
Can't think without it
Unable to have thoughts without it
Can't talk about it
Unable to discuss it
Can't live without it
Unable to survive without it
My second hand emotion
My derived or imitated feeling
What are we living for
What is our purpose in life
What are we living for
What is our purpose in life
What are we living for
What is our purpose in life
What are we living for
What is our purpose in life
Writer(s): Jamie Thomas Vere, Fred Farrell, Daniel David Crowther, Juan Antonio Ipina Garcia
Contributed by Camden S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.