Flatline Fever
The Bones Lyrics


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When I try to make love it turns out to be hate
If I go for a coffee I might end up drunk

And my old dreams are back to haunt me
It doesn't matter where I stay
It doesn't matter where I go, yeah

Why do I always bang my head against the wall
So sick and tired of doing, doing everything wrong
Why do I always bang my head against the wall
Right back at you!

Some say that learning by doing is the way we have to live
I haven't learned jack shit, fuck, I'm getting old

Me, I, myself are back to haunt me
It doesn't matter where I stay

Why do I always bang my head against the wall
So sick and tired of doing, doing everything wrong
Why do I always bang my head against the wall

Why do I always bang my head against the wall
So sick and tired of doing, doing everything wrong
Why do I always bang my head against the wall
So sick and tired of doing, doing everything wrong

All my mistakes, all my mistakes




All that you see
Right back at you!

Overall Meaning

The Bones's song Flatline Fever is a poignant exploration of the frustrating and cyclical nature of life. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is struggling to find their way, constantly coming up against difficulties and making mistakes. It seems as though every attempt to move forward results in two steps back, and the singer cannot escape the mistakes of their past.


The opening lines of the song, "When I try to make love it turns out to be hate / If I go for a coffee I might end up drunk," are particularly powerful. These lines suggest a sense of hopelessness, as though the singer cannot even take pleasure in the small things in life. The reference to old dreams haunting them reinforces this feeling of being trapped, as though no matter where they go or what they do, they cannot escape the past.


The repeated refrain, "Why do I always bang my head against the wall / So sick and tired of doing, doing everything wrong," further emphasizes the frustration and sense of futility that pervades the song. The use of repetition in the chorus drives home the idea that the singer is stuck in a never-ending cycle, unable to break free from their mistakes and move forward.


Overall, Flatline Fever is a powerful and relatable song that speaks to the universal experience of feeling stuck and hopeless.


Line by Line Meaning

When I try to make love it turns out to be hate
My attempts to love and connect with others often turn sour and become more like hatred.


If I go for a coffee I might end up drunk
Even simple actions like getting a coffee can lead me down a dangerous path.


And my old dreams are back to haunt me
My past aspirations and desires continue to haunt and affect me.


It doesn't matter where I stay
My location has no bearing on my internal struggles.


It doesn't matter where I go, yeah
No matter where I may venture, my problems persist.


Why do I always bang my head against the wall
I question why I continue to struggle and suffer despite my efforts.


So sick and tired of doing, doing everything wrong
I am weary of constantly making mistakes and failing.


Right back at you!
My struggles and mistakes reflect back onto those around me.


Some say that learning by doing is the way we have to live
Perhaps the only way forward is to learn from one's mistakes.


I haven't learned jack shit, fuck, I'm getting old
Despite my experiences, I feel I have not learned anything and my time is running out.


Me, I, myself are back to haunt me
My own self-doubt and insecurities continue to plague me.


All my mistakes, all my mistakes
I am burdened by the weight of all my past errors and missteps.


All that you see
The external world and those around me are affected by my internal struggles.


Right back at you!
The negativity and struggle I experience impacts those around me.




Contributed by Jayden G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Victor Heimark

The bass player were my teacher for three years. He's the best teacher ever!!

jorgeluissegreste

this is not really my style, but they´re not that bad :)

steve riggs

Somewhere in there is a great band!

Leo977

this is a good song!!!!!

qwert456qwert

i am metal but i like this song... cause it's just like about me :D

llabros

When I try to make love it turns out to be hate If I go for a coffee I might end up drunk sucks!!

LordOlix

It was not THAT bad guys;)

ChaosKnux

lol, I like when he sings the chorus he hits his head.

Je ne suis pas Staatsanwalt

👍

Sasae

lol sounds kinda old school :S but its an ok song :)

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