Stood A Chance
Taking Back Sunday Lyrics


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It takes so long
You're going forward looking back
A body like a welcome mat
You never even stood a chance
(On your own)
A body like a welcome mat
(On your own)
Going forward looking back
(Now you're looking back)
You never even stood a chance
You don't wanna know
You don't wanna know

You feel so safe, safe, safe
Being kept in the dark
(You know you never stood a chance)
You know you never stood a chance
'Cause it's that same dark place
Where you'll get torn apart
(You know you never stood a chance)
You know you never stood a chance
On your own
On your own

(Hot damn tell me that don't feel good)

It takes so long
You're never one for looking back
A body like a punching bag
You never even stood a chance
You don't wanna know
(Body like a punching bag)
You don't wanna know
(You're never one for looking back)
You never even stood a chance
(Took a chance)
On your own

You feel so safe, safe, safe
Being kept in the dark
(You know you never stood a chance)
You know you never stood a chance
'Cause it's that same dark place
Where you'll get torn apart
(You know you never stood a chance)
You know you never stood a chance
You feel so safe, safe, safe
Being kept in the dark
(You know you never stood a chance)
You don't wanna know

Fat and happy straight to hell
In a body like a prison cell
Fat and happy straight to hell
In a body like a prison cell
Straight to hell
You know you never stood a chance

You feel so safe, safe, safe
Being kept in the dark
(You know you never stood a chance)
You know you never stood a chance
'Cause it's that same dark place
Where you'll get torn apart
(You know you never stood a chance)
You know you never stood a chance

Yeah in that same dark place
I will tear you apart
You know you never stood a chance
(You know you never stood a chance)




On your own
I'm gonna tear you apart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Taking Back Sunday's song "Stood A Chance" speak of the struggle and pain of trying to move forward in life, while being held back by past experiences and insecurities. The opening lines "It takes so long, you're going forward looking back" describe the difficulty in letting go of the past and moving forward, while "a body like a welcome mat" and "a body like a punching bag" suggest the constant feelings of vulnerability and being used by others.


The chorus emphasizes the feeling of being trapped and controlled by the darkness of one's own mind, where one can never stand a chance. The line "you feel so safe being kept in the dark" suggests the comfort that one may find in denying the truth and avoiding confronting their fears, but at the same time, this same avoidance can lead to destruction and further pain.


The bridge of the song speaks of the consequences of staying in this state of denial- living a life that is "fat and happy straight to hell," a life that feels like a prison cell. The final lines express a sense of anger and frustration, promising to tear apart the darkness that holds one back.


Overall, "Stood A Chance" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the struggles that so many people face in trying to overcome past traumas and move forward in their lives.


Line by Line Meaning

It takes so long
Progress is slow and time-consuming


You're going forward looking back
You're trying to move forward, but still holding onto the past


A body like a welcome mat
You're too accommodating and people walk all over you


You never even stood a chance
You were too passive and didn't take control of your life


(On your own)
You're alone in this journey


(Now you're looking back)
You're regretting your past actions


You don't wanna know
You don't want to face the truth


You feel so safe, safe, safe
You're content in your comfort zone


Being kept in the dark
You're ignorant and don't want to learn the truth


(You know you never stood a chance)
You know you didn't take enough action


'Cause it's that same dark place
You're stuck in the same mindset that's holding you back


Where you'll get torn apart
Your lack of progress will continue to hinder you


On your own
You need to take responsibility and make changes


Hot damn tell me that don't feel good
Expressing frustration about the current state of affairs


You're never one for looking back
You don't dwell on the past


A body like a punching bag
You're taking on everyone's problems and not focusing on yourself


(Took a chance)
You tried to take control of your life


Fat and happy straight to hell
You're content with your current lifestyle, but it's ultimately harmful


In a body like a prison cell
Your complacency is trapping you


Yeah in that same dark place
You're still stuck in the same mindset


I will tear you apart
You need to take initiative and break free from your current situation




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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