Fooling Yourself
Styx & REO Speedwagon Lyrics


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You see the world through your cynical eyes
You're a troubled young man I can tell
You've got it all in the palm of your hand
But your hand's wet with sweat and your head needs a rest

And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it
Why must you be such an angry young man
When your future looks quite bright to me
How can there be such a sinister plan
That could hide such a lamb, such a caring young man

You're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it
Get up, get back on your feet
You're the one they can't beat and you know it
Come on, let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it

You're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're killing yourself if you don't believe it
Get up, get back on your feet
You're the one they can't beat and you know it




Come on, let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fooling Yourself by Styx and REO Speedwagon talk about a troubled young man who is extremely pessimistic about life. The singer addresses the young man and tries to make him realize that he is holding everything he needs to succeed in his hands, but his anxiety is holding him back. The singer urges the young man to believe in himself and his capabilities, and not to let his inner struggles consume him. The line "you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it, you're kidding yourself if you don't believe it" emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the danger of self-destructive thoughts.


The singer also questions why the young man is so angry and cynical when his future looks bright. He wonders how such a caring young man could have such dark thoughts, implying that the young man may be hiding his true self behind his cynicism. The line "how can there be such a sinister plan that could hide such a lamb" suggests that the young man's negative attitude may be a facade, hiding his true kind and caring nature.


The chorus of the song is a call to action, encouraging the young man to stand up for himself and fight against his inner struggles. The repetition of "get up, get back on your feet" and "just take your best shot and don't blow it" highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance.


Overall, the lyrics to Fooling Yourself by Styx and REO Speedwagon deliver a positive message of self-belief and resilience, encouraging the listener to overcome their inner demons and reach their full potential.


Line by Line Meaning

You see the world through your cynical eyes
You have a negative and pessimistic outlook on life.


You're a troubled young man I can tell
You have personal struggles and hardships that are evident.


You've got it all in the palm of your hand
You have control and power over your life.


But your hand's wet with sweat and your head needs a rest
You are under a lot of pressure and stress that is taking a toll on you.


And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You are lying to yourself if you deny the reality of your situation.


You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it
You are tricking yourself if you refuse to acknowledge your current state.


Why must you be such an angry young man
Why are you so full of anger and frustration?


When your future looks quite bright to me
There are promising opportunities for your future.


How can there be such a sinister plan
How can there be an evil or malicious scheme present?


That could hide such a lamb, such a caring young man
How can someone who appears so gentle and kind be involved in something nefarious?


Get up, get back on your feet
Stand up and regain your strength and confidence.


You're the one they can't beat and you know it
You are unbeatable and unstoppable, and you are aware of this fact.


Come on, let's see what you've got
Show us what you are capable of.


Just take your best shot and don't blow it
Do your very best and don't mess up your opportunity.


You're killing yourself if you don't believe it
You are causing harm to yourself if you continue to deny the truth.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TOMMY SHAW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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