Second to You
Thomston Lyrics
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You spoke a language.
I couldn't translate.
I was your stronghold.
That place you'd run to
Bask in your glory, reflections in the swimming pool.
Despite in every tribute that I paid.
And every hour that I gave ya.
To take another step up that ladder.
And even though I put you first,
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you.)
And oh I've seen you at your worst.
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you.)
And even though I'll put you first,
(I'm always second to you.)
And oh I've seen you at your worst.
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you.)
I was your first date.
Just like your next of kin.
All of your problems,
That I inherited.
They maybe heavy.
I should have cared less.
You wouldn't notice but your self-obsessed.
Inspite of every mile that I walked.
And every lonely weekday evening.
You found a way to keep me hanging on.
Even though you were so self-serving.
And even though I put you first,
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you.)
Oh I've seen you at your worst.
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you)
Oh and even though I put you first,
(I'm always second to you.)
Oh I've see you at your worst.
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you)
Your worth is frail.
I'd hate for it to break.
Holding you together,
It was my first mistake.
Your worth is frail.
I'd hate for it to break.
Holding you together,
Never again.
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you)
Ohhh
And even though I put you first,
(I'm always second to you.)
Oh I've seen you at your worst.
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you.)
In "Second to You," Thomston sings about being in a toxic relationship where he continuously puts his partner first, only to be constantly pushed aside and neglected. He compares his role in the relationship to being a "dead weight" and a translator of a language he cannot understand. Despite all his efforts, he always comes second to his partner's self-obsessed nature. The line "Your worth is frail. I’d hate for it to break" could mean that he recognizes his partner's fragility and doesn't want to cause any harm, while also acknowledging that he cannot be the only one holding the relationship together.
Thomston's use of metaphors adds depth to the lyrics. He describes himself as a "stronghold" and the partner as someone running to him, basking in their own glory. The reflection in the swimming pool represents the partner's self-absorption, where all they care about is their own reflection, ignoring the people around them. The line "All of your problems, That I inherited" shows how Thomston was expected to be responsible for his partner's problems, despite them being a result of their own actions.
Line by Line Meaning
You were a dead weight.
You were a burden on me.
You spoke a language.
You communicated in a way that I did not understand.
I couldn't translate.
I was unable to comprehend or interpret your words.
I was your stronghold.
I was your shelter and support.
That place you'd run to
You would come to me for comfort and safety.
Bask in your glory, reflections in the swimming pool.
You enjoyed your success and admired yourself in the reflection of water.
Despite in every tribute that I paid.
I praised and honored you in every way, but it wasn't enough for you.
And every hour that I gave ya.
I spent so much time and effort on you.
Drain my mind and use it in place.
You exhausted me mentally and used me as a means to an end.
To take another step up that ladder.
You used my help to climb higher in your personal and professional life.
And even though I put you first,
Although I prioritized you above everything else,
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you.)
I always came second to you.
And oh I've seen you at your worst.
I have witnessed you at your lowest point.
I was your first date.
I was your first romantic experience.
Just like your next of kin.
I was close to you as your family members.
All of your problems,
I inherited and dealt with all your issues.
They maybe heavy.
Your problems were burdensome and weighed me down.
I should have cared less.
I should not have invested so much in you.
You wouldn't notice but your self-obsessed.
You were too self-centered to realize how much I was doing for you.
Inspite of every mile that I walked.
Regardless of how far I went for you,
And every lonely weekday evening.
I spent countless evenings alone, while you were busy.
You found a way to keep me hanging on.
You knew how to string me along and keep me invested in you.
Even though you were so self-serving.
Despite how much you focused on yourself.
Your worth is frail.
Your value is fragile.
I'd hate for it to break.
I don't want you to fall apart or suffer any harm.
Holding you together,
I was keeping you intact.
It was my first mistake.
Investing so much in you was my initial error.
Never again.
I won’t make the same mistake again.
(I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you. I'm always second to you)
No matter what I do or how much I care, I'll always be second to you.
Ohhh
(instrumental)
Writer(s): Joshua Marc Fountain, Thomas James Stoneman
Contributed by Caleb A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Aro
on JPA989
Man, I’ve lived Thomston since I first heard his voice, which was mainly on accident, and he’s was and still is my number 1 favourite artist. He is the literal definition of immaculate, and he will forever be in my heart. I hope that soon he will get the recognition he deserves!