Versus the Mirror
States Lyrics


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When did everything begin to change?
Spending every night alone behind this screen.
I've been working endless in my brain.
Still I can't seem to find a place between
and now I've been seeing creatures
getting comfortable around this place.
So Doctor, looking at my features,
tell me what you see, am I insane?

That's when I tell myself,
"I don't care that you've started wearing down.
You better step it up, step it up. The timing is right.
The only one you're fighting is staring in the mirror.
You better make it work, make it work.
The timing is right and it's only a test, it's only a test."

Suffering a bit of doubt inside.
Seeing the reflection only makes it feel real.
I've been tossed around a time or two.
Funny in the way I seem to hang on still.
But I can hold it all together.
Paint a grin across the top of it.
But lately I am thinking maybe
it'd be better off to just give in.

That's when I tell myself,
"I don't care that you've started wearing down.
You better step it up, step it up. The timing is right.
The only one you're fighting is staring in the mirror.
You better make it work, make it work.
The timing is right and it's only a test, it's only a test."

And it's like the closure comes from up under suddenly.
So make a point to keep an eye on the shuffling.

"I don't care that you've started wearing down.
You better step it up, step it up. The timing is right.
The only one you're fighting is staring in the mirror.




You better make it work, make it work.
The timing is right and it's only a test, it's only a test."

Overall Meaning

The song "Versus the Mirror" by States is an introspective piece that explores the internal struggles of an individual who is feeling lonely and doubtful. The lyrics start by questioning when everything began to change and the feeling of being alone behind the screen. The singer talks about working tirelessly in their brain, but still not being able to find a place between their thoughts. They start seeing "creatures" getting comfortable around them, which could be seen as a metaphor for negative thoughts or emotions that are settling in. The singer questions their sanity and looks to a doctor for validation.


Despite feeling worn down and doubtful, the lyrics shift to a more positive tone. The singer tells themselves to step it up and make it work, despite the only opponent being themselves. They talk about hanging on and holding it all together, but also consider giving in. The closure that is sought seems to come out of the blue, and the singer warns against complacency and suggests keeping an eye on the shuffling. Overall, the song appears to be an acknowledgment of self-doubt and a call to action to overcome it.


Line by Line Meaning

When did everything begin to change?
At what point did things start to differ from how they were previously?


Spending every night alone behind this screen.
Passing every evening by myself, looking at my computer.


I've been working endless in my brain.
I've been putting a lot of effort into thinking.


Still I can't seem to find a place between
Despite all that thinking, I'm still unsure about where to go.


and now I've been seeing creatures
Recently, I have noticed unusual sights.


getting comfortable around this place.
These unusual sights are becoming more common.


So Doctor, looking at my features,
Doctor, based on my appearance,


tell me what you see, am I insane?
Can you explain whether I am crazy?


"I don't care that you've started wearing down.
I am indifferent to your growing fatigue.


You better step it up, step it up. The timing is right.
You should push harder now, as the opportunity is now.


The only one you're fighting is staring in the mirror.
The only adversary is yourself, the one in the mirror.


You better make it work, make it work.
You need to make this work.


Suffering a bit of doubt inside.
Experiencing a certain amount of uncertainty within.


Seeing the reflection only makes it feel real.
Observing the reflection only cements the feeling of uncertainty.


I've been tossed around a time or two.
I've been jostled a few times.


Funny in the way I seem to hang on still.
It's amusing how I am still enduring.


But I can hold it all together.
But I am able to keep everything intact.


Paint a grin across the top of it.
Conceal the problems with a fake smile.


But lately I am thinking maybe
However, recently I've been considering


it'd be better off to just give in.
That it might be easier to surrender.


And it's like the closure comes from up under suddenly.
And it feels like the resolution appears from nowhere, unexpectedly.


So make a point to keep an eye on the shuffling.
So be sure to pay attention to what's going on around you.


"I don't care that you've started wearing down.
I am unconcerned about your increasing exhaustion.


You better step it up, step it up. The timing is right.
You should put in more effort now, since the moment is perfect.


The only one you're fighting is staring in the mirror.
You are only battling yourself, the one in the mirror.


You better make it work, make it work.
You must ensure this works.


The timing is right and it's only a test, it's only a test.
Now is the perfect moment, and it's just a trial, nothing more.




Contributed by Hunter H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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