Ruins
The Panics Lyrics


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I'm close enough to know you're near
but not enough to make it real
have I become like all the others here
a ruin in the deepest of all fears
before I had a chance to look
you went and turned your back for good
don't act as if it's understood
when it only takes one look
at the crater where we once stood
I don't know what we will become
I just know that I'm not the one
yeah I know that I'm not the one that you're
looking for
I hope that I can go without
someone else will have to guide you now
that can only break a spirit down
guided by a goal you never found
somewhere in the back looms a kitchen that's
become her own tomb
on the wall I watch the shadow of her figure
floating 'round the room
'til she hits the lights and is gone from view
I don't know what we will become
I just know that I'm not the one
yeah I know that I'm not the one that you're
looking for




yeah I know that I'm not the one that you're
looking for

Overall Meaning

"Ruins" is a contemplative song by Australian indie rock band The Panics, exploring the feelings of isolation and disconnection from those closest to us. The opening lines set the tone for the entire song, speaking of a distance too close to not know where someone is, but too far to connect to them. The lyrics create a gloomy and mournful atmosphere that describes the feeling of being abandoned and forgotten by someone we once knew, while also putting the blame on themselves for failing to hold on to that connection. The use of the words "ruin" and "deepest fears" symbolizes the emotional wreckage left after this loss, and the feeling of being stuck in a state of ruin.


As the song progresses, the lyrics suggest a resignation to the situation, with the singer saying "I don't know what we will become, I just know that I’m not the one." This line reflects a sense of acceptance of the fact that the relationship is ending, even if it is not something they want. The line "guided by a goal you never found" also suggests that one of the reasons for the breakup is that the two people in this relationship were just not on the same page. The second half of the song shifts the focus to a woman who is struggling to get past a traumatic event or an intense personal loss. The vivid description of the looming kitchen and the shadow of her figure floating around the room create an eerie and unsettling image. The singer then realizes he cannot be her guide anymore and hopes that someone else can take up the role, while still feeling the bitter disappointment of not being able to be with her.


In summary, "Ruins" by The Panics is a well-crafted song that deals with the emotions that come with loss and abandonment, and the struggle of coming to terms with them.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm close enough to know you're near
I am in close proximity to you and can sense that you are close by


but not enough to make it real
However, our relationship is not strong enough to make it seem real and legitimate


have I become like all the others here
I wonder if I have changed to become like other people around me who have failed in their romantic endeavors


a ruin in the deepest of all fears
I feel like a failure in love and my biggest fear is becoming an emotional ruin


before I had a chance to look
Before I could even assess our situation


you went and turned your back for good
You completely walked away from me and ended our relationship forever


don't act as if it's understood
Don't pretend like the reasons behind your actions are clear to me


when it only takes one look
When in reality, it would only require a single glance from you to explain your actions


at the crater where we once stood
To understand that we have now broken apart and are no longer together


I don't know what we will become
I am unsure of where we will end up as a result of this breakup


I just know that I'm not the one
However, I do know that I am not the one for you


yeah I know that I'm not the one that you're looking for
I am aware that I am not the person who can satisfy your needs or desires


I hope that I can go without
I wish to move on from you without needing anyone else to guide me


someone else will have to guide you now
I understand that someone else will have to take on the responsibility of guiding you through life


that can only break a spirit down
However, I fear that relying on someone else in this way might break your spirit and leave you emotionally damaged


guided by a goal you never found
You seem to be constantly searching for something, yet you are not sure exactly what it is


somewhere in the back looms a kitchen that's become her own tomb
You are metaphorically entombed in your own kitchen, feeling trapped and hopeless


on the wall I watch the shadow of her figure floating 'round the room
I can see the shadow of your body moving on the wall as you pace nervously around the room


'til she hits the lights and is gone from view
But then you turn off the lights, disappearing from sight and making it impossible for me to see you anymore


yeah I know that I'm not the one that you're looking for
At this point, I am fully aware that I am not the person who can provide you with what you need from a relationship




Contributed by Alice Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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