The Short Straw
Shadrow Lyrics
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"Only time will tell"
But as of now, the promises are all they ever sell
There is no two ways about it
You picked the wrong one
And now I've got to face the consequences of what you've done
Doesn't matter what I draw
I see no reason to keep playing the game if I always end up losing
The choice you made was wrong
It was your fault all along
I see no reason to keep playing the game if I always end up losing
The modern way we see each other
Across the stream
It makes you feel like things are almost better than they seem
But when it seems I'm losing focus
It all starts to break
I can't decipher the words you say, turns out I'm not awake
Doesn't matter what I draw
It'll be the short straw
I see no reason to keep playing the game if I always end up losing
The choice you made was wrong
It was your fault all along
I see no reason to keep playing the game if I always end up losing
We have become the global punchline
A worldwide joke
We only got their full attention when we began to choke
Every time we make a difference
It all goes down the drain
It's hard to swallow all these pills when you go and change the name
Doesn't matter what I draw
It'll be the short straw
I see no reason to keep playing the game if I always end up losing
The choice you made was wrong
It was your fault all along
I see no reason to keep playing the game if I always end up losing
Gonna have to withdraw
There's a pain in my jaw
Doesn't matter what I draw
It'll be the short straw
The lyrics in Shadrow's song "The Short Straw" capture a sense of frustration and disillusionment in various aspects of life. The opening lines express skepticism towards promises of a better future, suggesting that they are often sold without delivering tangible results. The phrase "You picked the wrong one" suggests that the singer has made a mistake in their choices or associations, and they must now face the consequences of someone else's actions.
The repeated refrain of "Doesn't matter what I draw, it'll be the short straw" reflects a feeling of inevitability and resignation. It implies that no matter what effort or action is taken, the outcome will always be negative or unfavorable. This sentiment extends to the game of life itself, where the singer feels that they consistently end up losing, leading to a questioning of why they should continue playing.
The second verse brings attention to the illusion of connectedness in the modern world. The mention of seeing each other "across the stream" implies a disconnect between reality and perception. While things may seem better than they actually are, the singer feels a loss of focus, struggling to decipher the words being said and questioning their wakefulness.
The final verse introduces a broader theme of societal disappointment. The line "We have become the global punchline, a worldwide joke" suggests that perhaps society, or a particular group or nation, has become a subject of ridicule or mockery on a global scale. The idea that attention is only given when things go wrong or when failure occurs further emphasizes the negativity and frustration expressed throughout the song.
Overall, "The Short Straw" conveys a sense of disillusionment, frustration, and a questioning of the choices made in life. It speaks to the feeling of consistently facing unfavorable outcomes and the exhaustion that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
People say "The best is coming"
Despite optimistic claims, it is uncertain when or if positive outcomes will occur.
"Only time will tell"
The passage of time is the ultimate determinant of the truth or fulfillment of promises.
But as of now, the promises are all they ever sell
Currently, the only thing being offered or presented are empty promises.
There is no two ways about it
There is no room for ambiguity or alternate interpretations.
You picked the wrong one
You made a mistaken choice or decision.
And now I've got to face the consequences of what you've done
I am now burdened with dealing with the repercussions or aftermath of your actions.
Doesn't matter what I draw
Regardless of what I select or choose.
It'll be the short straw
It will inevitably result in an unfavorable or disadvantageous outcome.
I see no reason to keep playing the game if I always end up losing
I fail to find motivation or justification to continue participating in a game or situation where defeat is consistently the outcome.
The choice you made was wrong
The decision you made was incorrect or misguided.
It was your fault all along
You bear the responsibility or blame for the negative outcome.
The modern way we see each other
The contemporary manner in which we perceive or interact with one another.
Across the stream
Transcending barriers or divisions between us.
It makes you feel like things are almost better than they seem
It creates a sensation of improved circumstances or prospects, though the reality may be different.
But when it seems I'm losing focus
However, when it appears that I am losing concentration or clarity.
It all starts to break
Everything begins to fall apart or crumble.
I can't decipher the words you say, turns out I'm not awake
I struggle to comprehend or understand your words, realizing that I am not fully aware or conscious.
We have become the global punchline
We have become the subject of ridicule or mockery on a global scale.
A worldwide joke
An object of amusement or derision that spans across the world.
We only got their full attention when we began to choke
Only when we started to falter or struggle did we capture their undivided attention.
Every time we make a difference
Whenever we have an impact or bring about change.
It all goes down the drain
All progress or achievements are lost or wasted.
It's hard to swallow all these pills when you go and change the name
It is difficult to accept or endure the negative consequences when you alter or modify the identity or essence of something.
Gonna have to withdraw
I will need to retreat or remove myself from the situation.
There's a pain in my jaw
I experience physical discomfort or distress, especially in the jaw area.
Doesn't matter what I draw
No matter what I select or choose.
It'll be the short straw
It will inevitably result in an unfavorable or disadvantageous outcome.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Callum Trezise
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind