Band Credits: 311, Plain White T's, Blue October, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Kottonmouth Kings, Eve 6, Lit, Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, Revis, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Matisyahu, Yellowcard, the Wailers, Sum 41, Lucky Boys Confusion
Falling Down
Swizzle Tree Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This whole time I've been lying
I never followed orders never thought of consequence
And I faked my crying
Well I'm just defiant
Don't mean I'm not reliant
I follow my own path I follow love because it lasts
And I feel like nobody's listening
Like no one can hear me scream out loud
So let's talk about crime
And good kids doing time
They do it cause they can they do it just to be a man
And now they're dying
Our kids are dying
And I feel like nobody's listening
Like no one can hear me scream out loud
And I feel like nobody's listening
Like no one can hear me scream out loud
And I feel like somebody's watching
But no one can see me falling down
So stop your prying
And quit wasting my time
I'll never follow orders never think of consequence
And I feel like nobody's listening
Like no one can hear me screaming
And I feel like somebody's watching
But no one can see me falling down
In Swizzle Tree's song "Falling Down," the artist reflects on his defiance towards authority and reckless behavior, resulting in consequences that lead him to feel unheard and unseen. The opening lyrics "I can't deny it, this whole time I've been lying" express the artist's confrontation with himself and his actions. He admits to not following orders and not considering the consequences of his actions, suggesting he has been living recklessly. The artist then reveals that his crying was fake, which he might have employed to manipulate situations in his favor.
However, the following lines "Well, I'm just defiant, don't mean I'm not reliant" highlight the artist's strength and resolve to follow his own path despite the repercussions. He believes in following his heart and love, even if it means going against societal norms. The artist challenges the listener to try following their path, implying that the present path may not be the best.
The second portion of the song emphasizes the plight of good kids who end up doing time due to criminal activity. The artist points out that they do it to gain recognition, to prove their manhood, or act tough. He brings attention to the fact that they end up dead as a result of their actions, leading to a waste of potential and loss of life.
The chorus "And I feel like nobody's listening, like no one can hear me scream out loud" is repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizing the artist's feeling of being invisible and unheard. These lines express the frustration of the artist for not being listened to or acknowledged. The line "And I feel like somebody's watching, but no one can see me falling down" intensifies the feeling of hopelessness and isolation, creating a sense of despair and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't deny it
I confess that it is true
This whole time I've been lying
For a long time, I have been dishonest
I never followed orders never thought of consequence
I never obeyed instructions nor considered the outcome
And I faked my crying
I pretended to cry
Well I'm just defiant
I am rebellious by nature
Don't mean I'm not reliant
I may defy authority, but I am still dependent
I follow my own path I follow love because it lasts
I make my own choices, and I prioritize long-lasting love
Maybe you should try it
Perhaps you should attempt to do the same
And I feel like nobody's listening
I sense that no one is paying attention to me
Like no one can hear me scream out loud
It's as if my cries are unheard
So let's talk about crime
Let's discuss illegal activities
And good kids doing time
Even well-behaved children are serving sentences
They do it cause they can they do it just to be a man
They engage in deviant behavior to assert their masculinity
And now they're dying
Now they are losing their lives
Our kids are dying
Our young ones are perishing
So stop your prying
Cease your investigation
And quit wasting my time
Stop taking up my precious time
I'll never follow orders never think of consequence
I will always refuse to comply with directions and disregard consequences
And I feel like nobody's listening
I have the impression that no one is giving heed
Like no one can hear me screaming
It seems like my yelling is inaudible
And I feel like somebody's watching
I perceive that someone is observing me
But no one can see me falling down
Yet no one notices me tumbling down
Contributed by Caleb O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@shortstop120
The year was 2006, me, driving around with my gf (now wife) and friends in my 1988 honda accord, this song on the radio. This is a bookmark to those times. Don't take any moment for granted!!!
@kylesteinhauser2535
Saw these dudes at the Ranch Bowl in like 2004, they were pretty rad
@SwizZLe333
I'm glad after all the years JEFF can come back here and remember...good times! Great tune to Pick ya Up when ya need it...JIMMMY! JIGGLES!
@Cloudy1127
saw these boys live back in 2003-04 in omaha, wearing my autographed tee right now actually lol
@chaoman45
I haven't listened to 89.7 in forever. I miss Spicoli and Rocko.
@willstinson9598
Spicoli is still on the air at least
@Had_A_DAT
I miss seeing Swizzle Tree stickers on all the toll booth collection bins.
@roscolaver
Omaha! My city! Miss you! Song takes back! Saw these guys at rockfest or something like that at sokol back in the day!
@Danhasadog
I remember walking home from high school with my friend turning on 89.7 and playing GTA until DBZ came on like 2004/5. Also seeing these guys with another friend instead of going to prom.
@justinmcintosh3031
Miss you Bub!😢