The Downtown Fiction released a self-titled EP in March 2009, which included the hits “Living Proof” and “Is Anybody Out There?”. Followed up by an EP titled “Best I Never Had” in March. In August, the music video for “I Just Wanna Run” was released and in December, they released a new EP “The Double E.P.”, including all tracks from the two other EPs and a new demo, “Keep On Moving”. Songfacts reports that their first album Let's Be Animals was released on April 26, 2011, via Photo Finish / Atlantic Records, "Thanks for Nothing" was the first single.
Is Anybody Out There
The Downtown Fiction Lyrics
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Flowers blooming up from dirt
Wear the ties and complicated lines
There's wrinkles on a fresh-pressed shirt
He stands alone, conforming on his own
He's thinking but he does not speak
He tries to fight the edges on his mind
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm reaching out
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm coming down
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm freaking out, I'm freaking out
The heat does rise, preform in double time
The sweat is falling from his brow
He's near his prize, but she begins to fly
He knows that he must act, the time is now
A dance they play, an ancient lover's game
Averts his eyes and chooses not to stare
The trick, he sees, is aiming not to please
Pretending that he doesn't really care
If you want her, then pretend that you don't care
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm reaching out
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm coming down
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm freaking out, I'm freaking out.
We're trapped inside this star
And we have gone too far
All we want is to escape, escape, escape
Hey, is there anybody out there?
So shout it out
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm reaching out
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm coming down
Hey, is anybody out there?
I'm freaking out, I'm freaking out
In The Downtown Fiction's song "Is Anybody Out There?", the lyrics highlight the struggle of conformity and the fear of expressing oneself. The lyrics "stand in line like military time" and "wear the ties and complicated lines" symbolize the idea of society dictating what is considered "normal" and "acceptable." The blooming flowers from dirt may allude to the potential for something beautiful to grow from unconventional or misunderstood ideas.
The singer in the song feels alone in their battle against conformity, as they "stand alone, conforming on his own." They are "thinking but he does not speak," indicating their hesitancy to express themselves in fear of judgment or rejection. The lyrics "he tries to fight the edges on his mind, but she is what he truly seeks" suggest that the singer desires an authentic connection with someone who understands and accepts them, but they struggle to find it.
The chorus of the song is a plea for connection as the singer asks, "Hey, is anybody out there?" The repetition of this question, along with the lyrics "I'm reaching out" and "I'm coming down," emphasize the singer's desperation for someone to relate to.
Overall, "Is Anybody Out There?" explores the theme of individuality versus conformity and the fear of expressing oneself. The lyrics invite listeners to question their own conformity and encourage them to find the courage to express their true selves.
Line by Line Meaning
Stand in line like military time
He's standing in line, waiting patiently and conforming to society's rigid structure.
Flowers blooming up from dirt
Beautiful things can grow from humble beginnings and difficult circumstances.
Wear the ties and complicated lines, there's wrinkles on a fresh-pressed shirt
Trying to fit in with societal norms can be tough and leave one feeling strained and imperfect.
He stands alone, conforming on his own, he's thinking but he does not speak
He's trying his best to fit in with societal expectations, but he's also silently questioning whether or not it's worth it.
He tries to fight the edges on his mind, but she is what he truly seeks
He's suppressing his true desires because he's too afraid to go against societal norms, but he yearns for a particular person nonetheless.
Hey, is anybody out there? I'm reaching out
He's asking for help from anyone who can hear him in his time of need.
The heat does rise, preform in double time, the sweat is falling from his brow
As the pressure to conform increases, he's working harder and harder, even to the point of physical exhaustion.
He's near his prize, but she begins to fly, he knows that he must act, the time is now
He's getting closer to the object of his desire, but he can't wait any longer and needs to act soon before it's too late.
The trick, he sees, is aiming not to please, pretending that he doesn't really care
He's trying to play it cool and act like he doesn't care about the outcome, but he knows that he's risking everything.
If you want her, then pretend that you don't care
To win the girl, he's adopting a strategy of detachment and apathy, even if that's not really how he feels inside.
We're trapped inside this star, and we have gone too far, all we want is to escape, escape, escape
He feels stuck in his current situation and just wants to escape it all and start over.
Hey, is there anybody out there? So shout it out
He's still calling out desperately for help or support from anyone who can hear him.
Hey, is anybody out there? I'm freaking out, I'm freaking out
He's panicking and losing control over his emotions and actions as the pressure mounts.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CAMERON LEAHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind