Misunderstood
Seether Lyrics


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Every time you stand up
Ready for your close-up
I keep wondering how it's all supposed to be
This is gonna blow up
Storming in a teacup
I'll keep swimming steadily against the stream

And you don't even heed me
Treat me as an enemy
See me as a failure and see me as dumb
You don't even need me
To keep it all in harmony
I am disappointment and I am no fun

How could this be misunderstood?

No one will tell you
Why they smile as they berate you
They keep saying it's gonna be fine
No one will help you
As they constantly sedate you
They keep killing the grape on the vine

Singing your own praises
Constantly amazes
I don't wanna hear the words you're saying to me
How can I rephrase this?
You're all rats in mazes
Constantly you're fighting over scraps of the cheese
Observing all your weakness
Puddles have more deepness
Empty vessels clamouring across the sea
Revel in your genius
Eating clean and meatless
I'll be in the corner with my dignity

How could this be misunderstood?

No-one will tell you
Why they smile as they berate you
They keep saying it's gonna be fine
No-one will help you
As they constantly sedate you
They keep killing the grape on the vine

No-one will tell you
Why they smile as they berate you
They keep saying it's gonna be fine
No-one will help you
As they constantly sedate you
They keep killing the grape on the vine





They keep saying it's gonna be fine
They keep killing the grape on the vine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Seether's song "Misunderstood" delve into themes of isolation, frustration, and a feeling of being unseen and unheard by others. The opening lines convey a sense of confusion and uncertainty about one's place in the world. The phrase "ready for your close-up" suggests a desire for attention and validation, while the reference to a "storm in a teacup" symbolizes a minor issue blown out of proportion. Despite difficulties, the singer resolves to persistently swim against the tide, showing determination and resilience in the face of adversity.


The frustration intensifies in the next stanza as the singer addresses someone who disregards and underestimates them. The repeated line "you don't even need me" highlights a deep sense of rejection and unimportance. The mention of being seen as a failure and dumb emphasizes the negative perception the singer feels others have of them. This feeling of being undervalued and dismissed contributes to the singer's sense of disappointment and deprivation of joy in life.


The question posed in the chorus, "How could this be misunderstood?", reflects the singer's bewilderment at the lack of understanding and empathy they receive from others. It suggests a longing for genuine connection and a desire to be seen, understood, and appreciated for who they truly are.


The subsequent verses further emphasize the singer's isolation and lack of support. The lyrics describe individuals who berate and undermine the singer without explanation, maintaining a facade of support while secretly enjoying their distress. The metaphor of killing the grape on the vine suggests the destruction of potential and creativity, metaphorically likening the singer to a withering vine that is denied nourishment and growth.


The final repetition of the chorus serves to reinforce the singer's sense of frustration and helplessness. The repeated line "they keep saying it's gonna be fine" suggests that empty reassurances and false promises offer no solace or resolution to their struggles. The line "they keep killing the grape on the vine" reiterates the notion of stifling potential and robbing the singer of the opportunity to thrive.


Overall, "Misunderstood" explores the emotional turmoil of feeling ignored, undervalued, and misunderstood, conveying a plea for genuine recognition and empathy from others. It captures the sense of isolation and frustration that can arise from being constantly berated without understanding, and the longing for someone to truly see and appreciate one's worth.


Line by Line Meaning

Every time you stand up
Every time you try to assert yourself and take a stand


Ready for your close-up
Eager to be in the spotlight and receive validation


I keep wondering how it's all supposed to be
I constantly question what the expected outcome should be


This is gonna blow up
This situation is bound to escalate and become chaotic


Storming in a teacup
Making a big deal out of a small, insignificant issue


I'll keep swimming steadily against the stream
I will continue to persist and go against the prevailing opinions


And you don't even heed me
You completely ignore me and pay no attention to my words


Treat me as an enemy
You treat me as if I am your adversary


See me as a failure and see me as dumb
You view me as someone who constantly fails and lacks intelligence


You don't even need me
You don't require my presence or contribution


To keep it all in harmony
To maintain a state of balance and unity


I am disappointment and I am no fun
I am a source of disappointment and not entertaining to be around


How could this be misunderstood?
How is it possible for this situation to be interpreted incorrectly?


No one will tell you
Nobody will inform you


Why they smile as they berate you
Why they mock and criticize you while maintaining a pleasant facade


They keep saying it's gonna be fine
They continue to reassure you that everything will turn out well


No one will help you
Nobody will assist you


As they constantly sedate you
As they consistently numb and tranquilize you


They keep killing the grape on the vine
They persist in destroying the potential and opportunities


Singing your own praises
Boasting about your own achievements and qualities


Constantly amazes
Continuously surprises and impresses others


I don't wanna hear the words you're saying to me
I have no interest in listening to your empty words and flattery


How can I rephrase this?
How can I express this differently or in a clearer manner?


You're all rats in mazes
You are all trapped in repetitive, meaningless patterns


Constantly you're fighting over scraps of the cheese
You are constantly competing for small, insignificant rewards


Observing all your weakness
Noticing all the flaws and vulnerabilities within you


Puddles have more deepness
Even shallow things have more substance and depth than you


Empty vessels clamouring across the sea
People with nothing meaningful to say making a lot of noise


Revel in your genius
Take great pride in your supposed intelligence and brilliance


Eating clean and meatless
Living a pure and virtuous lifestyle, free from worldly indulgences


I'll be in the corner with my dignity
I will maintain my self-respect, even if it means isolating myself


No-one will tell you
Nobody will inform you


Why they smile as they berate you
Why they mock and criticize you while maintaining a pleasant facade


They keep saying it's gonna be fine
They continue to reassure you that everything will turn out well


No-one will help you
Nobody will assist you


As they constantly sedate you
As they consistently numb and tranquilize you


They keep killing the grape on the vine
They persist in destroying the potential and opportunities


They keep saying it's gonna be fine
They continue to reassure you that everything will turn out well


They keep killing the grape on the vine
They persist in destroying the potential and opportunities




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Shaun Morgan Welgemoed

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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