Loyalty to the Past
The Cotones Lyrics


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You and me, we started off much the same way
Heard something on the radio that made us think
But you flew fast for the freeway to find and follow fame
While I stayed after class, my nose all blotched with ink
But you found success, excess was waiting to make a mess of you
Did it hurt when you heard you were just the bait
To someone else’s catchy hook?
Is that all it took?
Cuz now time is sweeping you away
Oh, I knew that it would happen someday
The earth keeps spinning but you seem so unaware
Of the changes that took you from here to there
The only world you see is through a broken looking glass
And a loyalty to the past
So you buy into your own mythology
Like some half-assed self-fulfilling prophecy
And keep churning out archaic formulaic hits each year
But tell me what’s the point of living if you refuse to evolve?
Diffuse or dissolve, but you’re scared you’ll disappear
The earth keeps spinning but you seem so unaware
Of the changes that took you from here to there
The only world you see is through a broken looking glass
And a loyalty to the past
Did we distract you from your heated pool?
Have you fallen far enough to feel a fucking fool?
Or are you still swimming in a sea of denial?
I’d say your twenty years of fame haven’t aged you well
But will I fare the same? It’s too early to tell
So I’ll just face the mirror and force a smile
The world keeps spinning but you seem so unaware
Of the changes that took you from here to there





The only world you see is through a broken looking glass
And a loyalty to the past

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Loyalty to the Past" by The Cotones delve into the theme of personal growth and evolution, contrasting two individuals who embarked on their journeys in a similar manner but ended up taking different paths. The singer reflects on the diverging paths they and another person have taken since their beginnings. While the other person chased after fame and success, the singer chose a more introspective and academically inclined route, represented by staying after class with ink blotched on their nose. The contrast between the two individuals is palpable, with one achieving outward success while the other seems content with their more modest path.


The lyrics question the cost of the pursuit of fame and success, hinting that the person who sought it may have become ensnared in a cycle of excess and disillusionment. The mention of being the "bait to someone else’s catchy hook" suggests a feeling of manipulation or being used in the pursuit of fame. The passage of time is portrayed as a force that gradually separates the two individuals, with the singer recognizing that this divergence was inevitable. The imagery of the "broken looking glass" symbolizes a distorted perception of reality, one that is rooted in a steadfast loyalty to past versions of oneself.


The song critiques the tendency to cling to past successes and identities, warning against becoming stuck in an outdated version of oneself. The other individual, described as buying into their own mythology and churning out formulaic hits, is urged to consider the purpose of their existence if they resist growth and change. The fear of disappearing if one evolves is highlighted, portraying a reluctance to embrace change for fear of losing oneself. The lyrics suggest that true growth requires an openness to transformation and a willingness to let go of outdated versions of oneself.


In the final verses, there is a sense of introspection and self-reflection as the singer contemplates their own trajectory compared to the other person. The question of whether the pursuit of fame has aged them well lingers in the air, with uncertainty about their own future path. The mirror becomes a symbol of self-confrontation and acceptance, as the singer contemplates their own evolution and the choices that lie ahead. The song closes with a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the importance of being aware of the changes that shape us, emphasizing the need to break free from a loyalty to the past in order to embrace a more authentic and evolving self.


Line by Line Meaning

You and me, we started off much the same way
Our journeys began with similar ambitions and experiences.


Heard something on the radio that made us think
We were both inspired by something we encountered in popular culture.


But you flew fast for the freeway to find and follow fame
You quickly chased after success and the glamorous lifestyle it promised.


While I stayed after class, my nose all blotched with ink
I dedicated myself to my craft, immersing myself in hard work and creativity.


But you found success, excess was waiting to make a mess of you
You achieved fame, but it brought chaos and complications into your life.


Did it hurt when you heard you were just the bait
Was it painful to realize you were merely a tool for someone else's agenda?


To someone else’s catchy hook?
You became a means to an end for someone else's popular idea or trend.


Is that all it took?
Was your worth reduced to just being used for momentary gain?


Cuz now time is sweeping you away
Life is passing you by, and you're failing to notice this inevitable change.


Oh, I knew that it would happen someday
I always anticipated that the consequences of your choices would catch up to you.


The earth keeps spinning but you seem so unaware
Despite the world moving forward, you appear oblivious to the shifts around you.


Of the changes that took you from here to there
You don't recognize the transformations that have altered your life path.


The only world you see is through a broken looking glass
Your perception of reality is distorted and limited by your past experiences.


And a loyalty to the past
You cling to previous successes and memories, preventing growth.


So you buy into your own mythology
You develop an inflated narrative about your life and accomplishments.


Like some half-assed self-fulfilling prophecy
It’s an incomplete, misguided belief that may not even fulfill its own predictions.


And keep churning out archaic formulaic hits each year
You produce repetitive and outdated work without innovation or risk.


But tell me what’s the point of living if you refuse to evolve?
What is the value of life if you resist personal or artistic growth?


Diffuse or dissolve, but you’re scared you’ll disappear
You face a choice: adapt or fade away, yet fear losing your identity.


The earth keeps spinning but you seem so unaware
Life progresses, but you remain oblivious to important developments around you.


Of the changes that took you from here to there
You fail to see how the path you took led to your current situation.


The only world you see is through a broken looking glass
Your understanding of reality is flawed, clouded by your past experiences.


And a loyalty to the past
Your attachment to former glories is hindering your ability to move forward.


Did we distract you from your heated pool?
Have we diverted your attention from your luxurious life and comforts?


Have you fallen far enough to feel a fucking fool?
Have you sunk to a point where you recognize the foolishness of your choices?


Or are you still swimming in a sea of denial?
Are you lost in denial, refusing to acknowledge the reality of your situation?


I’d say your twenty years of fame haven’t aged you well
Your time in the spotlight seemingly hasn't brought the wisdom or depth you’d expect.


But will I fare the same? It’s too early to tell
I wonder if I might end up facing the same fate; only time will reveal.


So I’ll just face the mirror and force a smile
I will confront myself and put on a brave front despite uncertainty.


The world keeps spinning but you seem so unaware
As the world changes around you, you're still oblivious to its pace.


Of the changes that took you from here to there
You're unaware of the significant shifts leading to your current state.


The only world you see is through a broken looking glass
Your view of reality is fragmented, influenced by nostalgia and past experiences.


And a loyalty to the past
Your commitment to former successes is restricting your ability to grow.




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Luke Frees

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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