Who's Stopping You
This Train Lyrics


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I don't know who's stopping you from checking out of this place
And I don't know who's stopping you from leaving here without a trace
Well, maybe it's the shadow that still follows you around
Maybe it's the way your feet burn on this holy ground

And what about that voice you heard...?
I don't know what's up with you, but I don't like it
And I don't know who you've been talking to, perhaps you're tele-psychic
And if all of this is so liberating, why do you look so mad?
If I'm blind as you keep insinuating, why keep coming back?

Who's stopping you?
Who's stopping you?
You know who (you know who)
And if your new life is so stimulating, why do you look so dead?

If the old ways are so suffocating, why waste your breath?
Maybe it's that shadow that still follows you around




Maybe it's the way your feet burn on this holy ground
And what about that voice you heard...?

Overall Meaning

In the song "Who's Stopping You" by This Train, the singer questions why the listener is still staying in a place that seems to hold them back. He wonders who or what is preventing them from leaving and starting a new journey. He suggests that the listener may still be haunted by their past or by their own doubts and fears, represented by the "shadow" that follows them around and the burning sensation they feel on the holy ground.


The singer also addresses the listener's tendency to blame others for their problems, questioning who they have been talking to and insinuating that they may be tele-psychic. He challenges the listener's claim of freedom by pointing out their anger and lifelessness. He also highlights the paradox of the listener's experience: if the old ways are suffocating, why waste your breath on them? And if the new life is so stimulating, why does the listener look so dead?


Overall, the song encourages the listener to confront their inner demons and take charge of their life instead of letting outside forces dictate their path. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but they suggest a theme of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and empowerment.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't know who's stopping you from checking out of this place
I am unsure of who or what is holding you back from leaving this place


And I don't know who's stopping you from leaving here without a trace
I cannot identify who or what is preventing you from disappearing without notice


Well, maybe it's the shadow that still follows you around
It could be the lingering effects of your past experiences, represented by the figurative shadow, that are impeding your progress


Maybe it's the way your feet burn on this holy ground
Perhaps the ideals and expectations associated with this place are causing discomfort and pain for you


And what about that voice you heard...?
Asking about the unknown voice and its significance


I don't know what's up with you, but I don't like it
While I am uncertain of what is causing your behavior, I do not approve of it


And I don't know who you've been talking to, perhaps you're tele-psychic
I am unaware of who you are confiding in, but it is possible that you have psychic abilities


And if all of this is so liberating, why do you look so mad?
Despite the idea of your newfound freedom being liberating, your unhappy and angry appearance suggests otherwise


If I'm blind as you keep insinuating, why keep coming back?
If you believe that I am ignorant of the situation, why do you continue to return and seek my opinion?


You know who (you know who)
You are aware of the person or entity responsible for preventing you from moving forward


And if your new life is so stimulating, why do you look so dead?
Despite the potential excitement and vitality related to this new life, you appear lifeless and devoid of energy


If the old ways are so suffocating, why waste your breath?
If you find the previous methods and practices stifling, why bother discussing them or expending energy on them?




Contributed by Jonathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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