01 How To Be Dead
Snow Patrol Lyrics
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No you don't know what happened, and you never, will,
If you don't listen to me while I talk to the wall,
This blanket is freezing, its been out in the hall,
Where you fight me for hours, 'til I'm sure what I want
But darling I want the same thing, that I wanted before,
So sweetheart tell me what's up, I won't stop, no way.
Its hardly what I'd be doing, if you gave me a choice,
Its a simple suggestion, can you give me some time,
So just say yes or no, why can't you shoulder the blame?
'cause both my shoulders are heavy, from the weight of us both,
You're a big boy now, so lets not talk about growth,
You've not heard a single word I have said, Oh My God,
Please take it easy, It can't all be my fault,
I haven't made half the mistakes, that you've listed so far,
Baby let me explain something, its all down to drugs,
At least I remember taking them, and not a lot else,
It seems I've stepped over lines, you've drawn again and again,
but if the ecstasy's in, the wit is definitely out,
Dr Jekyll is wrestling Hyde, for my pride.
The lyrics of "How To Be Dead" by Snow Patrol are about a failing relationship, with the singer attempting to communicate with their partner but facing resistance and defensiveness. The opening lines express a fear of telling the truth because the partner likely won't believe them or react well. The second stanza has the singer asking for time to sort out their feelings and to stop being blamed for everything. They note that taking drugs may have contributed to the issues in the relationship, but also that their partner is drawing lines and not listening to them. The final line about Dr. Jekyll and Hyde battling over pride suggests that the singer is struggling to maintain their sense of self against the pressures of the relationship.
Overall, the lyrics suggest a relationship that is fraught with tension and miscommunication, with both parties struggling to understand each other. The use of drug references suggests that there may be deeper issues at play, such as addiction or mental health problems, that are driving the conflict. The song's title, "How To Be Dead," could be interpreted as a reference to the emotional distance between the singer and their partner, or as a reflection on the ways in which the relationship is destructive.
Line by Line Meaning
Please don't go crazy, if I tell you the truth,
I need you to stay calm while I tell you what really happened.
No you don't know what happened, and you never, will,
You'll never fully understand the situation.
If you don't listen to me while I talk to the wall,
I need you to listen to me, even if it seems like I'm talking to no one.
This blanket is freezing, its been out in the hall,
I'm feeling cold and alone.
Where you fight me for hours, 'til I'm sure what I want
We argue until I know what I really want.
But darling I want the same thing, that I wanted before,
Despite the arguments, I still want the same thing as before.
So sweetheart tell me what's up, I won't stop, no way.
Please tell me what's going on - I won't give up until I understand.
Please keep your hands down, and stop raising your voice,
Please remain calm and don't raise your voice.
Its hardly what I'd be doing, if you gave me a choice,
I wouldn't be acting this way if I had a choice in the matter.
Its a simple suggestion, can you give me some time,
I just need a little bit of time and space.
So just say yes or no, why can't you shoulder the blame?
Can you just give a clear answer? Why can't you take some responsibility?
'cause both my shoulders are heavy, from the weight of us both,
I'm carrying the weight of both of us on my shoulders.
You're a big boy now, so lets not talk about growth,
You're an adult, so we don't need to talk about growing up.
You've not heard a single word I have said, Oh My God
You're not really listening to me, and it's frustrating.
Please take it easy, It can't all be my fault,
Please don't blame me for everything - it's not all my fault.
I haven't made half the mistakes, that you've listed so far,
I haven't made as many mistakes as you think I have.
Baby let me explain something, its all down to drugs,
Let me explain - the situation has to do with drugs.
At least I remember taking them, and not a lot else,
At least I can remember taking the drugs, even if I can't remember much else.
It seems I've stepped over lines, you've drawn again and again,
I keep crossing the boundaries you set.
but if the ecstasy's in, the wit is definitely out,
My judgment might be clouded due to the ecstasy.
Dr Jekyll is wrestling Hyde, for my pride.
I'm struggling with conflicting sides of myself for the sake of my pride.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NATHAN CONNOLLY, GARY LIGHTBODY, MARK MCCELLAND, JONATHAN QUINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DrParanoidAndroid
<3 I'm sure you guys don't need it but here's the lyrics :
Please don't go crazy, if I tell you the truth
No you don't know what happened
And you never will if
You don't listen to me while I talk to the wall
This blanket is freezing, it's been out in the hall
Where you've had me for hours
Till I'm sure what I want
But darling I want the same thing that I wanted before
So sweetheart tell me what's up I won't stop no way
Please keep your hands down
And stop raising your voice
It's hardly what I'd be doing if you gave me a choice
It's a simple suggestion can you give me sometime
So just say yes or no
Why can't you shoulder the blame
Coz both my shoulders are heavy
From the weight of us both
You're a big boy now so let's not talk about growth
You've not heard a single word I have said...
Oh, my God
Please take it easy it can't all be my fault
I haven't made half the mistakes
That you've listed so far
Oh baby let me explain something
It's all down to drugs (-censored?-)
At least I remember taking that and not a lot else
It seems I've stepped over lines
You've drawn again and again
But if the ecstacy's (-censored?-) in the wit is definitely out
Dr. Jekyll is wrestin' hide for my pride
@melomaniac334
Wow, what a welcome flashback. Snow Patrol will live in my heart forever. Their music has been an important part in the soundtrack of my life and I know many fans feel the same way.
@EmoryDelf
My very first Snow Patrol song, will always be my favorite❤
@Rilez616
Love you snow patrol!
@sandeepdhakal546
I used to love Snow Patrol, previously.
I love Snow Patrol, now.
I will love Snow Patrol, forever!
@Katie-hh9eu
"Dr. Jekyll is wrestling Hyde for my pride" is one of the best lines ever written. Such an impactful way to explain an internal battle of the mind and will. This is one of my favorite Snow Patrol songs!
@ronakronak123
What does it mean??
@Katie-hh9eu
@@ronakronak123 Dr. Jekyll is the side of him that wants to do what is right and stop taking drugs to save his relationship, but his addiction (Hyde) is fighting against him even though it is causing issues. At least that's how I've always interpreted it.
@orendahandpan
These lyrics are written brilliantly. It is a conversation but you don't hear the other person just the thoughts and response of the writer. Love there is no chorus. The lyrics start from beginning to end with no repeat. It is contagious to listen to and sing because the melody is repeated.
@gabrielkoloc1438
Interesting to point out there isn't a chorus! I actually really like that! Sometimes with songs, I think that the verses are my favorite part and the chorus is okay, but this song is verses all the way through with some riveting guitar work! Never knew why I like this song so much.
@shappank
Gary said pink and white by Frank Ocean saved him… I wonder how many people have been saved by Gary’s music 🙋🏻♂️ it’s the circle of saving!!