Circles We Run
Staple Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We've went to the edge a thousand times before, and these circles we run have only nailed our feet to the floor. My jaw aches from hurling words at walls with doors locked, windows boarded, refusing to take calls. Are we seeking an agreement? Or is this a competition in obstinance, quick tongues, and redundant flapping lips? All hail the mighty pride – even when you're wrong you're always right. We've spent all this time with cruel teeth bared white and wide. Fierce eyes shine bright through stubborn skulls for the fight. Blades are cutting deep…All I want is some relief! THESE FIREBRANDS WILL BE OUR BANE. may we sheath our tongues for just one day? THE SWITCHBLADES ARE PULLED. Hard crusted with old bloodstains never wiped clean. THE BATTLE'S REBORN. What dirt can we use to manipulate? SWINGING FOR FAME NEVER ACCOMPLISHED ANYTHING BUT SLASHING OUR OWN VEINS. I know that love doesn't keep score. Come! Let us stop seeking egos and start seeking respect! Seconds slink by – I wish we'd see eye to eye. It's a distant life – a place where we both should be. There we find a “perfect society” where people look past their own feeling. Do we find an agreement or do we find our blades? These circles we run have gotten us nowhere. Put down your blades. WE NEED A SOLUTION FOR THESE CIRCLES THAT WE RUN.

Overall Meaning

In Staple’s song “Circles We Run,” the lyrics depict a cycle of argument and conflict that has been ongoing between two parties, causing them to be stuck in a state of immobility. The opening line, “We’ve went to the edge a thousand times before,” speaks to how the two parties have reached the breaking point repeatedly, but have never been able to move past their issues. Instead, they continue to run in circles, never making any progress towards resolving their conflict. This cycle becomes evident through the repetition of the phrase “circles we run.”

The lyrics suggest that the two parties’ pride and stubbornness have been their downfall, as they refuse to compromise, and instead engage in verbal battles, where they hurl hurtful words at each other. The lines, “All hail the mighty pride – even when you’re wrong, you’re always right,” and “Fierce eyes shine bright through stubborn skulls for the fight,” show how both parties are determined to win the argument at all costs, and that their pride has overtaken their willingness to consider each other’s opinion. Meanwhile, the line “Are we seeking an agreement? Or is this a competition in obstinance, quick tongues, and redundant flapping lips?” questions what the true motive behind the argument is; whether it is to reach a consensus or to prove oneself right.

The song concludes with a plea to put an end to the futile cycle of conflict and find a way to come to a resolution. The lines, “Put down your blades. WE NEED A SOLUTION FOR THESE CIRCLES THAT WE RUN” urges the two parties to set aside their pride and find a way to move forward, suggesting that love and respect are essential to ending the cycle of conflict.

Line by Line Meaning

We've went to the edge a thousand times before, and these circles we run have only nailed our feet to the floor.
Despite having gone through multiple similar situations, we haven't been able to make any progress and have only ended up feeling stuck and trapped.

My jaw aches from hurling words at walls with doors locked, windows boarded, refusing to take calls.
We've been trying to communicate our thoughts and feelings but without success, and it's causing frustration and pain.

Are we seeking an agreement? Or is this a competition in obstinance, quick tongues, and redundant flapping lips?
We're not sure if we're trying to find a middle ground or simply trying to prove our superiority by out-talking each other.

All hail the mighty pride – even when you're wrong you're always right.
We're both too prideful and stubborn to admit our faults or consider another perspective, which causes unnecessary conflicts.

We've spent all this time with cruel teeth bared white and wide. Fierce eyes shine bright through stubborn skulls for the fight. Blades are cutting deep…All I want is some relief!
Our stubbornness and aggressive attitudes have caused emotional harm to both of us, and the artist is desperate for a solution.

THESE FIREBRANDS WILL BE OUR BANE. may we sheath our tongues for just one day? THE SWITCHBLADES ARE PULLED. Hard crusted with old bloodstains never wiped clean. THE BATTLE'S REBORN. What dirt can we use to manipulate?
The singer acknowledges that their behavior towards each other is destructive and asks for a moment of peace. However, they also worry that old grudges and manipulation may resurface.

SWINGING FOR FAME NEVER ACCOMPLISHED ANYTHING BUT SLASHING OUR OWN VEINS. I know that love doesn't keep score.
The singer recognizes that their need to win or be right has only caused more harm, and that true love means letting go of the past and the scorekeeping mentality.

Come! Let us stop seeking egos and start seeking respect! Seconds slink by – I wish we'd see eye to eye.
The artist proposes a change in attitude, where they prioritize mutual respect and understanding over ego and pride. They express a desire for unity and shared understanding.

It's a distant life – a place where we both should be. There we find a “perfect society” where people look past their own feeling. Do we find an agreement or do we find our blades?
The artist imagines a better future, where they are both able to let go of their grudges and focus on what truly matters. They wonder whether they'll be able to reach a peaceful resolution or succumb to their old patterns.

These circles we run have gotten us nowhere. Put down your blades. WE NEED A SOLUTION FOR THESE CIRCLES THAT WE RUN.
The artist concludes that their current approach is ineffective and damaging, and pleads for a change. They call for a solution that will break the cycle they've been stuck in.

Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS