Outshined
Soundgarden Lyrics
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I got off being sold out
I've kept the movie rolling
But the story's getting old now, oh yeah
I just looked in the mirror
And things aren't looking so good
I'm looking California and feeling Minnesota, oh yeah
(So now you know) who gets mystified
Show me the power child
I'd like to say
That I'm down on my knees today
Yeah, it gives me the butterflies, gives me away
'Til I'm up on my feet again
Hey, I'm feeling
Oh, I'm feeling outshined, outshined, outshined, outshined
Oh yeah
Yeah
Someone let the dogs out
They'll show you where the truth is
The grass is always greener
Where the dogs are shitting, oh yeah
Well, I'm feeling that I'm sober
Even though I'm drinking
Well, I can't get any lower
Still I feel I'm sinking
(So now you know) who gets mystified
(So now you know) who gets mystified
Show me the power child
I'd like to say
That I'm down on my knees today
Yeah, it gives me the butterflies, gives me away
'Til I'm up on my feet again
I'm feeling
Oh, I'm feeling outshined, outshined, outshined, outshined
Oh yeah, ooh
Outshined, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh
(So now you know) who gets mystified
Show me the power child
I'd like to say
That I'm down on my knees today
Yeah, it gives me butterflies, gives me away
'Til I'm up on my feet again
Oh, I'm feeling
Oh, I'm feeling
Show me the power child
I'd like to say
That I'm down on my knees today
And yeah, it gives me the butterflies, gives me away
'Til I'm up on my feet again
Oh, I'm feeling
Oh, I'm feeling
Outshined, outshined, outshined, outshined
The lyrics of Soundgarden's "Outshined" paint a picture of a person who is struggling with their sense of self and place in the world. The song opens with the singer feeling down and sold out, a victim of circumstance or fate. The idea that the "movie" of their life keeps rolling, but the story is getting old, suggests boredom or stagnation. The line "I'm looking California and feeling Minnesota" is a reference to the contrast between the flashy, image-conscious culture of California, and the more introspective, brooding vibe of Minnesota. In other words, the singer is presenting a polished exterior while feeling disconnected internally.
The chorus seems to be a plea to be seen and heard, to have power and agency over one's own life. The phrase "get mystified" could be interpreted as the feeling of being overwhelmed or underappreciated, overlooked or ignored. The singer is asking for validation and recognition, to be lifted up from their current state of despair.
The second verse uses a metaphor of dogs to highlight the idea that the truth is often hidden or disguised, that what seems attractive or desirable on the surface can be a facade. The singer is grappling with addiction or numbing themselves with alcohol, but still feels they are sinking lower. The repetition of the "outshined" refrain suggests that the singer feels overshadowed or invisible, despite their struggles.
Overall, "Outshined" is a snapshot of someone who is struggling with their identity and place in the world, seeking validation and recognition, but feeling trapped and unseen. The song expresses the frustration of feeling stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and self-pity, while also searching for a way out.
Line by Line Meaning
I got up feeling so down
I woke up feeling very depressed.
I got off being sold out
Betrayal feels familiar to me.
I've kept the movie rolling
I've been pretending and avoiding confronting my reality.
But the story's getting old now, oh yeah
I can't keep up this facade forever, it's becoming tiring.
I just looked in the mirror
I took a moment to reflect on my current state.
And things aren't looking so good
The reflection didn't bring me any comfort.
I'm looking California and feeling Minnesota, oh yeah
My outward appearance doesn't match with how I truly feel inside.
(So now you know) who gets mystified
After experiencing pain and confusion, one becomes knowledgeable about the experience.
Show me the power child
I'm looking for someone or something to give me strength.
I'd like to say
I wish I could express myself clearly and confidently.
That I'm down on my knees today
I'm in a desperate and vulnerable state at the moment.
Yeah, it gives me the butterflies, gives me away
I'm nervous and uneasy, and it's obvious to those around me.
'Til I'm up on my feet again
I hope to regain control and power over my life soon.
Hey, I'm feeling
Despite my struggles, I'm experiencing an emotion that's uplifting.
Oh, I'm feeling outshined, outshined, outshined, outshined
I'm shining bright despite being in a dark place, and I refuse to be overshadowed.
Someone let the dogs out
Someone revealed the truth, and now everyone is aware.
They'll show you where the truth is
The truth is often hidden, but now it's out in the open.
The grass is always greener
We often believe that other people's lives are better than our own.
Where the dogs are shitting, oh yeah
But the truth is that even those who seem to have it all still have to deal with unpleasant things.
Well, I'm feeling that I'm sober
I'm feeling clear-headed and aware of my situation.
Even though I'm drinking
Despite trying to escape my reality, I'm still very present in it.
Well, I can't get any lower
Things can't get much worse for me.
Still I feel I'm sinking
Despite hoping for the best, I still feel like I'm falling deeper into despair.
Lyrics Β© Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Chris Cornell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@npBOgory
(Touch me)(this is) (jeremy), the (outshined) (cracker((man) in the (heart shaped) box))
Touch me im sick-mudhoney
This is shangrila - mother love bone
Jeremy - pj
Outshined - soundgarden
Crackerman-stp
Man in the box-aic
Heart shaped box - nirvana
@OswaldBatesIIIEsq
No matter the genre, the 90's had so much great music.
@ashtodust3664
true that
@superunknown2812
Second that
@ankanshome9372
90s had some unbearable pain in the ass POP tho
@brendasiel6482
Yesssssssss
@elldsz
but the time was very problematic
@williewilliams3834
Layne Staley and Chris Cornell. The vocal gods of grunge.
@dieynglvfrevr
You say the right man
@stub2022
Yep.
@aviationlba747
For sure! I always loved Kurtβs voice as well because it fits so well with this type of music, Eddie Vedder not so muchβ¦