Goodnight
The Birthday Massacre Lyrics


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First place on a classroom wall
Every turn of the face can help to break
The fall from a domestic disgrace
Every rumor displaced is lost and found

A lack of discipline, one hand to cut the other
So unprofessional
You're not a friend, you're just a lover
Nothing exceptional, this is correctional

Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight

First day in a victim's chair
Every surface replaced can help to keep
You fair for a corrected gaze
Every feature displayed will match your crowd

A loss of innocence, one hand to wash the other
Be a perfectionist
You're nothing if you're just another
Something material, this isn't personal

Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight

We're all dancing to the same sad song
And we're not sleeping but it won't take long

Illicit conviction, confessions incomplete
Correction, submissive restriction
Instructions will repeat direction





Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Goodnight" by The Birthday Massacre are quite cryptic, and open to interpretation. The song speaks about the struggles and challenges that come with living in a world where one's every move is scrutinized and judged. The first verse seems to describe someone who is the "first place on a classroom wall," indicating that this person is a performer or a high achiever of some sort. They are also dealing with a "domestic disgrace," perhaps a difficult home life or relationship that has caused them to be judged or ostracized. The second verse echoes this theme, with the singer being placed in the "victim's chair" and having everything about them examined and judged. The overall sense of the song is one of being trapped, judged, and forced to conform to societal norms and expectations.


The chorus of the song seems to be somewhat of a release, with the singer expressing a desire to escape and to reflect on the events of the day. The "mirror on the wall" could be a metaphor for self-reflection, and the act of frames the picture and reflecting "this kiss" could be interpreted as a cleansing, cathartic act. The final verse brings together many of the themes of the song, with the singer referring to the "illicit conviction" and "confessions incomplete." They seem to be acknowledging that they have made mistakes, but are trapped in a cycle of correction and submission that is difficult to break.


Line by Line Meaning

First place on a classroom wall
Being the best or most successful in a certain environment.


Every turn of the face can help to break
Making a small change in one's behavior can have a big impact.


The fall from a domestic disgrace
Recovering from a humiliating failure that involves family or home life.


Every rumor displaced is lost and found
Gossip can have consequences, and sometimes the truth is uncovered.


A lack of discipline, one hand to cut the other
Not having self-control and hurting oneself or others as a result.


So unprofessional
Behaving in a way that is not mature or appropriate for the situation.


You're not a friend, you're just a lover
This relationship is only about sex, not a deep emotional connection.


Nothing exceptional, this is correctional
This is a normal experience when being punished or disciplined.


Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflecting on oneself and the situation, trying to see the bigger picture.


Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight
A way of saying goodbye, but could also represent a final goodbye.


First day in a victim's chair
Being in a vulnerable position, being potentially mistreated or taken advantage of.


Every surface replaced can help to keep
Changing one's environment can have a positive impact on mental health.


You fair for a corrected gaze
Looking at oneself in a more positive and productive way after undergoing discipline.


Every feature displayed will match your crowd
Conforming to the norms and expectations of the people around you.


A loss of innocence, one hand to wash the other
Being corrupted or losing one's purity, and perhaps bringing others down with them.


Be a perfectionist
Striving to be the best, but sometimes at the cost of one's mental health or well-being.


You're nothing if you're just another
Feeling like just another face in the crowd, lacking individuality or uniqueness.


Something material, this isn't personal
This situation is not about emotions or feelings, but rather something tangible or material in nature.


We're all dancing to the same sad song
We are all experiencing a similar sadness or hardship together.


And we're not sleeping but it won't take long
We are not at peace or rest, but soon this will change.


Illicit conviction, confessions incomplete
An incorrect belief or feeling that is not fully expressed or confessed.


Correction, submissive restriction
Being punished or disciplined in order to improve behavior or actions.


Instructions will repeat direction
Receiving guidance or instructions that are meant to be followed repeatedly, until they become a habit.




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL RAINBOW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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