The Clay People are:
Daniel Neet: Vocals
Brian McGarvey: Guitar
Dan Dinsmore: Drums
John Delehanty: Guitar
Eric Schwanke: Bass
Their latest album, Waking The Dead, was released on May 22, 2007.
Paranoid
The Clay People Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause she couldn't help me with my mind
People think I'm insane
Because I am frowning all the time
All day long I think of things
But nothing seems to satisfy
Think I'll lose my mind
Someone help me occupy my brain
Oh yeah
I need someone to show me
The things in life that I can't find
I can't see the things that make true happiness
I must be blind
Make a joke and I will sigh
And you will laugh and I will cry
Happiness I cannot feel
And love to me is so unreal
And so as you hear these words
I'm telling you now of my state
I'll tell you to enjoy life
I wish I could, but it's too late
Someone help me
Paranoid by The Clay People is about a man who, due to his mental state, struggles to find happiness in life, love and relationships. His mental state has been caused by the constant thoughts that run through his mind, which he cannot seem to pacify. As a result, he has become paranoid, which has led people to believe he is insane. The man is deeply unhappy and is searching desperately for something, or someone, to help him occupy his mind and show him the things in life that he cannot see or experience.
Throughout the song, the man is crying out for help, begging for someone to show him the way to true happiness. He is aware that he is unable to experience true happiness and his love for others is just a facade. The lyrics "Make a joke and I will sigh, and you will laugh and I will cry" highlight the man’s inability to feel joy or laugh, even when others are trying to cheer him up.
The song has a very dark and gloomy tone, which reflects the man’s state of mind. It is a poignant portrayal of mental illness and how it affects people's lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Finished with my woman
I ended a relationship because she couldn't help me with my struggles.
'Cause she couldn't help me with my mind
The relationship ended because I needed emotional support and my partner was unable to provide it.
People think I'm insane
Other people view me as mentally unstable.
Because I am frowning all the time
My constant expression of worry and sadness causes people to think something is wrong with me.
All day long I think of things
I often feel consumed by my racing thoughts and worries throughout the day.
But nothing seems to satisfy
Despite my thoughts, nothing seems to bring me contentment or peace of mind.
Think I'll lose my mind
I fear that I will ultimately have a mental breakdown or lose touch with reality.
If I don't find something to pacify
I need something to calm or settle my mind to avoid spiraling deeper into my struggles.
Someone help me occupy my brain
I need help directing my focus and occupying my mind in a healthy way.
I need someone to show me
I need guidance from others to help me discover true happiness in life.
The things in life that I can't find
Despite my efforts, I cannot identify things in life that will bring me true joy and fulfillment.
I can't see the things that make true happiness
I cannot distinguish what things in life will actually bring me lasting happiness.
I must be blind
I am figuratively blind to the aspects of life that bring true happiness and fulfillment.
Make a joke and I will sigh
Even attempts to humor me cannot lift my mood or bring joy.
And you will laugh and I will cry
The humor or happiness of others often causes me to feel more depressed or alone.
Happiness I cannot feel
Despite efforts to find joy, I am unable to experience genuine happiness.
And love to me is so unreal
My struggles make it difficult to trust or feel love in my relationships.
And so as you hear these words
As you listen to these lyrics,
I'm telling you now of my state
I am revealing the emotional and mental state I am currently in.
I'll tell you to enjoy life
Despite my struggles, I still want others to find happiness and fulfillment in their own lives.
I wish I could, but it's too late
Unfortunately, I am unable to experience enjoyment and contentment in my own life at this time.
Contributed by Aria M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TheDoomMaster
Gravity-PSI brought me here
@vish213
This is my 2nd favorite cover of Paranoid, after Type-O-Negative's. I haven't heard it in years. We had it on cassette in the 90s.
@livejay9062
Absolutely love this cover!
@samirmalo
Malicious head
@TheDoomMaster
Malicious Head incident brought me here too!
@BradTR
song fit the ending so well
@ferds31
thanks uploader!
@oscarsoto9512
Uno de los mejores covers de paranoid i like it!!
@MorrisonsProphecy
You have my eternal gratitude for posting this.
@jacobdimario9302
This version is so bad, it's good. I can't bring myself to hate it