Theory of a Deadman's fourth studio album, The Truth Is.. was released on July 12, 2011. The Truth Is... (I Lied About Everything) Songfacts reports it was inspired by the divorce that Tyler Connolly went through in 2010.
Current bandmembers:
Tyler Connolly – lead vocals, lead guitar (2001–present)
Dave Brenner – rhythm guitar (2001–present)
Dean Back – bass (2001–present)
Joey Dandeneau – drums (2009–present)
Former members
Tim Hart – drums (2001–2004)
Brent Fitz – drums (2004–2007)
Robin Diaz – drums (2007–2009)
Discography
Theory of a Deadman (2002)
Gasoline (2005)
Scars & Souvenirs (2008)
The Truth Is.. (2011)
Savages (2014)
Wake Up Call (2017)
Say Nothing (2020)
Above This
Theory of a Deadman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They try to put a shiny bullet in his head
He leaves a resident
He couldn't pay the bill and wound up dead.
I am not above this
Who put these thoughts in my head, in my head?
I could grow to love this
They want to know where the money went
They'll break a bone for every dime you spent
They'll cut your throat for the hell of it
They're going to cover you in wet cement.
I am not above this
Who put these thoughts in my head, in my head?
I could grow to love this
Who put this gun in my hand, in my hand?
With lives in his hands
I see why he loves this
He thinks he's a god
Not even God is above this
Now you see why I couldn't love this
I am not above this
Who put these thoughts in my head, in my head?
I am not above this
Who put this gun in my hand, in my hand?
I could grow to love this
Who put this gun in my hand, in my hand?
The lyrics to Theory of a Deadman's song Above This speak to the idea that we all have the capacity for darkness within us, and that we are not truly above the violent and immoral acts that we see in the world around us. The first verse speaks to the assassination of a President, a tragic and violent act that still resonates with people today. The second verse touches on the idea of financial corruption, and how people can become killers in their pursuit of money and power.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I am not above this," which can be interpreted in different ways. One interpretation is that the singer recognizes their own capacity for evil and is acknowledging that they are not immune to the kinds of impulses that can lead to violent behavior. Another interpretation is that the singer is recognizing the systemic issues that lead to violence and corruption, and is acknowledging that they are a part of that system.
The final lines of the song, "Now you see why I couldn't love this," suggest that the singer is ultimately rejecting the idea of violence and recognizing that there is a better way to live. The song is an exploration of the dark side of human nature, but it ultimately suggests that there is hope for redemption and a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
They try to kill the President
They attempt to assassinate the elected leader
They try to put a shiny bullet in his head
They aim to shoot a perfectly shaped bullet into his skull
He leaves a resident
He abandons a place of residence
He couldn't pay the bill and wound up dead.
He dies due to inability to pay his debts
I am not above this
I am not exempt from this situation
Who put these thoughts in my head, in my head?
Who influenced my thinking to have these thoughts?
I could grow to love this
I may develop affection for this situation
Who put this gun in my hand, in my hand?
Who placed the firearm in my possession?
They want to know where the money went
They are curious about the whereabouts of the funds
They'll break a bone for every dime you spent
They are willing to inflict physical harm for each penny spent
They'll cut your throat for the hell of it
Without a reason, they may slit your throat
They're going to cover you in wet cement.
They will encase you in concrete while it is still wet
With lives in his hands
Having control over someone's fate
I see why he loves this
I understand why he enjoys this
He thinks he's a god
He perceives himself as a supernatural being
Not even God is above this
This situation is beyond even the power of God
Now you see why I couldn't love this
Now you understand why I cannot find affection for this
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAD KROEGER, TYLER PATRICK CONNOLLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind