Bullet
The Ballroom Thieves Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"I will not lose,
and I will not fail!"
I whisper to no one
as another ship sails
I was more than convinced
I'd convinced you to change
So I stood and I waited
and I dug my own grave

Where will you go?
Where will you go?
Where will you go?
Where will you go?

All the places I've been
and the things that I've seen
spread rumors about me
like some old gossip queens
And my story falls short
of my heroes and gods
At least I know who I am
and I know who I'm not

Where will you go?
Where will you go?
Where will you go?
Where will you go?
Where will you go
Only you and the devil know

I don't need no sympathy
and I don't need no time
I just want what's coming for me
yeah, what's mine
I'll fold you all right into me
and make you understand
I am what you wanted
I'm a goddamn man
Well, I'll leave this so-called
so cold home
The burden of its memories
weighs heavy on my bones
I dare you all to keep me
with the things I never said
I need this like a bullet to the head
Yeah, I need this like a bullet to the head

So tell me, where will you go?
Where will you go?
Where will you go?
Where will you go?
Where will you go?

Where will you go
Only you and the devil know

Overall Meaning

The Ballroom Thieves’s song, Bullet, contains powerful lyrics that are infused with themes of self-doubt, regret, and a desire to attain victory despite obstacles. The lines “I will not lose, and I will not fail,” that repeat at the beginning of the song, embody a sense of determination and hope that the singer clings to, despite being plagued by doubt. However, the haunting repetition of questions, “Where will you go?” throughout the song, suggests that the singer’s path is unsure and fraught with obstacles.

The song also reflects on the singer’s struggle to establish their identity in the face of criticism and gossip. The lyrics, “All the places I've been and the things that I've seen spread rumors about me like some old gossip queens,” suggest that the singer's story falls short of their heroes and gods. Nevertheless, they remain firm in their sense of self-identity and claim their rightful place as a “goddamn man.”

Furthermore, the chorus, “Only you and the devil know,” implies a sense of isolation and that the struggle for self-identity is personal and private. The singer does not seek sympathy or time to heal but rather desires to pursue what they feel is rightfully theirs, even if it means leaving behind their past.

Overall, the song Bullet by The Ballroom Thieves is a powerful exploration of the human psyche’s struggle to establish one’s identity, the price of victory, and the bitter taste of self-doubt.

Line by Line Meaning

I will not lose, and I will not fail!
With unwavering conviction, I assure myself of my own success and refuse to entertain the possibility of failure.

I whisper to no one as another ship sails
Alone with my thoughts, I affirm my own determination while the world continuously moves on without me.

I was more than convinced I'd convinced you to change So I stood and I waited and I dug my own grave
Certain that I could influence those around me to see things my way, I waited patiently for them to come around, only to ultimately regret my own inaction.

All the places I've been and the things that I've seen spread rumors about me like some old gossip queens And my story falls short of my heroes and gods At least I know who I am and I know who I'm not
My past experiences and actions have led others to gossip and speculate about me, yet I am not beholden to live up to the expectations of others. I know my own identity and limitations, even if they are not as grand as my personal heroes and idols.

Where will you go? Where will you go? Where will you go? Where will you go? Where will you go Only you and the devil know
Faced with uncertain futures and difficult choices, only we ourselves and perhaps our personal demons know the paths we will ultimately take.

I don't need no sympathy and I don't need no time I just want what's coming for me yeah, what's mine I'll fold you all right into me and make you understand I am what you wanted I'm a goddamn man
I reject pity and patience in pursuit of what I believe is rightfully mine. I have the ability to bring others along with me and demonstrate that I am in control of my own destiny, fulfilling expectations placed upon me as a grown adult.

Well, I'll leave this so-called so cold home The burden of its memories weighs heavy on my bones I dare you all to keep me with the things I never said I need this like a bullet to the head Yeah, I need this like a bullet to the head
I will no longer be tied down by the painful memories and emotional baggage of where I come from. I challenge anyone who dares to try to hold me back with my own unspoken truths, and I am willing to risk everything to achieve my goals.

Contributed by Austin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS