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The Laughing Man
Stray From the Path Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's a trap
And I feel like I'm under attack
Should I speak the words I mean or should I just hold back?
With so much negativity,
How can you really see the best of me?
…And who's to blame when blaming is the recipe
A mix of misery and apathy
This is a trap
And I should have seen it coming

"..And that's the trouble, you can't ever find a place that's peaceful because
There isn't any. You may think there is, but once you get there when you're not
Looking they'll sneak up and write 'Fuck You' right under your nose…"
[the catcher in the rye]

This is a trap
I feel set up like I'm under attack
This is a trap
Should I say what I mean
Or should I just hold back?
You're the unwanted ones
You're the unwanted ones
Misery - Apathy

Today can be the first day of your life
Don't shoot me down just to put us in the same place
Today can be the first day of your life
Wake up today and give this world a new face
Today can be the first day of your life
Today can be the first day of your life

Overall Meaning

The Laughing Man by Stray from the Path is a powerful and introspective song about feeling trapped and under attack in a world filled with negativity, misery, and apathy. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and hopelessness, as the singer struggles to find a sense of peace and clarity amidst the chaos. The first verse sets the tone for the song, highlighting the singer's dilemma of whether to speak their truth or hold back in the face of so much negativity. The line "With so much negativity, how can you really see the best of me?" speaks to the idea that our experiences and surroundings shape our identity, and it can be hard to express our true selves when we are constantly bombarded with negative energy.


The chorus reinforces the feeling of being trapped and under attack, using the words "This is a trap" to emphasize how helpless the singer feels in their situation. The reference to The Catcher in the Rye highlights the idea that there is no escape from the negativity and hostility of the world, even in places that may seem peaceful on the surface. The line "You're the unwanted ones" adds a layer of social commentary, suggesting that those who speak out against the status quo are often dismissed or marginalized.


The second half of the song offers a glimmer of hope, urging the listener to see each day as a new opportunity to make a change. The repetition of "Today can be the first day of your life" emphasizes the idea that we have the power to shape our own destiny and create a world that is more positive and just. Overall, The Laughing Man is a powerful commentary on the struggles of living in a world full of negativity and apathy, and a call to action for those who seek to create a more just and empathetic society.


Line by Line Meaning

It's a trap
The situation is a trap.


And I feel like I'm under attack
I feel like I'm being attacked in this situation.


Should I speak the words I mean or should I just hold back?
I am conflicted on whether I should express my honest thoughts or keep quiet.


With so much negativity, How can you really see the best of me?
The overwhelming negativity makes it difficult for anyone to see my positive qualities.


…And who's to blame when blaming is the recipe
Blaming only contributes to the negative situation without solving anything.


A mix of misery and apathy
The situation is a combination of unhappiness and indifference.


This is a trap
Once again, emphasizing that the situation is a trap.


And I should have seen it coming
I realize that I should have been able to foresee this trap.


You're the unwanted ones
The people causing the negative situation are not wanted or welcomed.


Today can be the first day of your life
Each day is an opportunity to start anew.


Don't shoot me down just to put us in the same place
Don't try to bring others down to your level of misery.


Wake up today and give this world a new face
Make a conscious effort to change the world for the better.




Contributed by Colton K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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