"I think this was the first skeleton of a song that we started working on a… Read Full Bio ↴"I think this was the first skeleton of a song that we started working on after 'Landmines' was written and released. The beginning guitar riff is one of my favourite parts on the record. The idea behind the song was to write about people who need to feel some sense of entitlement or notoriety after doing something. Certain people need to be noticed or recognised for their actions. A good example to help explain what we are saying is 9/11. It took something terrible to happen to our country for people to start believing in themselves as people and as a country, After that day you couldn't drive anywhere without seeing the American flag on every house, seeing a bumper sticker that reads 'These Colors Don't Run' when half the time everyone is running and following what other people say and do. People were doing it to because they thought they had to, not because they wanted to.

One of the coolest vocal parts on the record lives in this song where we say 'post that pic with a hash tag, you wanna get mentioned because you need the attention' and we're calling out all the people who forcefully post themselves just to get a like, a poke or a mention. This is what matters to people, this is the world we live in, and it's very scary. We just want people to take action with their lives and actually mean what they say rather then do something for recognition.

A lot of Americans don't know much about our country they are just led to believe what they are told. They stand in place, voiceless and helpless, whether it's on the news, in the paper, or in everyday advertisements, no matter where you look the media is always forcing some line of bullshit down our throats. That doesn't mean it's right or true. One of the main things this band has always stood for and said was to think for yourself, be yourself, and try and make a difference. If you have something to say then say it, but make sure you can back it up with some actions as well. Do not be silent."

Counting Sheep
Stray From the Path Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Start moving your feet, don't just run your mouth
Recognition is weighing you down
(Without a doubt) You're always skipping a beat with no sound
It's so hard keeping up, keeping up with the crowd

Start moving your feet (moving your feet), and don't just run your
Mouth (without a doubt) just skipping a beat with no sound
It's so hard keeping up, keeping up with the crowd

And now I'm stuck here wondering how you think it's fine
To put your heart into something for such a short time
Smiles, cheers and high fives, I'm surprised
It's enough in life just to get by

Notoriety is your motivation
High society crumbles with no foundation
(Be prepared) In a country that cries wolf, faking the heart
There hides a beast and he will tear you apart
Post that pic with a hashtag
You wanna get mentioned because you need the attention
And you can repost this, 'cause I don't give a shit
If you got something to say, well you can tag me in it
Post that pic with a hashtag
You wanna get mentioned because you need the attention
And you can repost this, but do you give a shit?
No matter what they say, we know you'll follow it
So follow this, come on

Start moving your feet, don't just run your mouth
Recognition is weighing you down
(Without a doubt) You're always skipping a beat with no sound
It's so hard keeping up, keeping up with the crowd
Start moving your feet (moving your feet), and don't just run your
Mouth (without a doubt) just skipping a beat with no sound
It's so hard keeping up with the crowd

Now you're facing the changes while everyone is complaining
Your time is nothing but wasted, I hope it tears you apart
Running for cover like everyone and their mother
But in the end you will suffer, so was the flag worth your heart?
Was the flag worth your heart?

In a country that cries that wolf, faking the heart
There lies a beast and he will tear you apart
In a country that cries that wolf, faking the heart
There lies a beast and he will tear you apart
In a country that cries that wolf, faking the heart
There lies a beast and he will tear you apart
I hope he tears you apart

Don't look, don't look, don't look this wolf in the eyes
You're just a sheep like the others
Running for cover like everyone and their mother
Don't look this wolf in the eyes
You're just a sheep like the others
Running for cover, run for cover

Start moving your feet, don't just run your mouth
Recognition is weighing you down
(Without a doubt) You're always skipping a beat with no sound
It's so hard keeping up, keeping up with the crowd
Start moving your feet (moving your feet), and don't just run your

Mouth (without a doubt) just skipping a beat with no sound
It's so hard keeping up, keeping up with the crowd

Overall Meaning

The song "Counting Sheep" by Stray from the Path is an anthem for the outsiders, those who refuse to conform to the pressures of society. The lyrics are a scathing critique of the shallow and superficial nature of contemporary culture, where people are more concerned with social media likes and recognition rather than substance and authenticity. The singer urges the listener to stop running their mouth and start moving their feet, to find their own path and not just follow the crowd. The chorus is a repeated call to action, reminding the listener of the difficulty of staying true to oneself in a world obsessed with conformity.

The second verse of the song takes aim at "Notoriety," a warped and dangerous motivation that leads people to seek fame and attention at any cost. The singer warns of the dangers of following the crowd and appeasing the beast that lies beneath the surface of society. The bridge of the song asks the question "Was the flag worth your heart?" challenging the listener to question their priorities and whether their pursuit of fame and recognition is worth sacrificing their values and integrity. The final chorus returns to the central theme of the song, urging the listener to move their feet and not just run their mouth.

Line by Line Meaning

Start moving your feet, don't just run your mouth
Take action, don't just make empty promises

Recognition is weighing you down
The need for attention is becoming a burden

(Without a doubt) You're always skipping a beat with no sound
You're missing something important, but you're not paying attention

It's so hard keeping up, keeping up with the crowd
It's difficult to conform to societal norms

And now I'm stuck here wondering how you think it's fine
Questioning why someone would invest limited time and effort

To put your heart into something for such a short time
To be half-hearted about an endeavor

Smiles, cheers and high fives, I'm surprised
Society rewards superficial accomplishments

It's enough in life just to get by
Lowering expectations and accepting mediocrity

Notoriety is your motivation
Desire for fame is the driving force

High society crumbles with no foundation
Wealth and status are fleeting and lack substance

(Be prepared) In a country that cries wolf, faking the heart
In a society filled with false emotions and deception

There hides a beast and he will tear you apart
Lies have consequences and can be dangerous

Post that pic with a hashtag
Using social media as a means of self-promotion

You wanna get mentioned because you need the attention
Seeking validation from others

And you can repost this, 'cause I don't give a shit
Not caring about others' opinions or validation

If you got something to say, well you can tag me in it
Open to discussion and debate on personal values

No matter what they say, we know you'll follow it
Society often blindly follows trends

Now you're facing the changes while everyone is complaining
Taking action while others resist change

Your time is nothing but wasted, I hope it tears you apart
Living a life without purpose can lead to regret

Was the flag worth your heart?
Was the effort put into the endeavor worth the emotional cost?

Don't look, don't look, don't look this wolf in the eyes
Avoiding the consequences of one's actions

You're just a sheep like the others
Mindlessly following societal norms

Running for cover like everyone and their mother
Hiding from reality, just like everyone else

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, KILLPHONIC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Andrew Dijorio, Thomas Williams, Anthony Altamura, Dan Bourke, Andrew Di Jorio, WILLIAM SCOTT PUTNEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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