Mantis
UMPHREY’S McGEE Lyrics


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We believe there's something here worth dying for
Uniforms are old but we're still try some more
I'd probably be wrong if I was right

The breeze it sees from all consideration
Turmoil stands like old rubber bands, un-breaking
Anything worth mentioning, need not be too polite
We won't mind

I've seen much bigger, more than me
Your will be done, I'm not the only one
This task it seems a backwards path
When things are said in context
Big enough to wrap in boxes

The things we'd say aren't easy to replace
Be brief if you're unsure
That's much braver than before

So what's your point?
Who's the next you will anoint?
There's nowhere to transcend to
If we've got no ears to lend you

I hate to say it, you're no replacement
Excuse you cannot buy
It seems so aimless, just short and painless
The truth you cannot hide
The trouble measures, there's something better
There's one more word to try

I hate to say it, you're no replacement
I'm never good at lies
Never good with liars
Never good with lies
I'm never good with lies

Had you thought about it?
Could you live without it?
'Cause it's all about you in the end

And it's so elaborate
But you never had it




And you cannot grab it
If you try

Overall Meaning

The song "Mantis" by Umphrey's McGee is a powerful one that explores the themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and the search for something greater. At the beginning of the song, the lyrics "We believe there's something here worth dying for" set the tone for the rest of the song. The band sings about the struggle they face to achieve something worth mentioning, and how it's easy to give up when things get tough. The line "Uniforms are old but we're still trying some more" speaks to the idea of continuing despite the odds.


As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the challenges faced in life and how it's important to keep pushing forward. The lines "The breeze it sees from all consideration, Turmoil stands like old rubber bands, un-breaking" illustrate the turmoil faced in life but also the resilience and strength that we possess. The idea that "Anything worth mentioning, need not be too polite" suggests that the most significant experiences in life are often not easy or comfortable.


In the final verses, the singer explores the idea that despite our struggles, we all have something worth fighting for. "Could you live without it? 'Cause it's all about you in the end" speaks to the notion that what we fight for in life ultimately defines us. This powerful song encourages us to keep pushing forward, even when things seem impossible.


Line by Line Meaning

We believe there's something here worth dying for
We are committed to a cause that is so important to us that we're willing to sacrifice our lives for it.


Uniforms are old but we're still try some more
Despite the outdated and ineffective strategies we've used in the past, we remain persistent in our pursuit for success.


I'd probably be wrong if I was right
The complexities of the situation are such that even if I were to be absolutely certain about something, I acknowledge the possibility that I could still be incorrect.


The breeze it sees from all consideration
Taking into account all factors, both large and small, we are constantly assessing and evaluating our surroundings.


Turmoil stands like old rubber bands, un-breaking
Despite the passing of time, the difficulties and challenges we face remain unchanged and insurmountable.


Anything worth mentioning, need not be too polite
The truth of a matter is more important than one's desire to avoid offending someone with a less direct approach.


We won't mind
We are capable of enduring any hardship and won't be deterred by obstacles or setbacks.


I've seen much bigger, more than me
Although I have experienced a great deal, I am aware that there are others who have encountered far more than I ever could.


Your will be done, I'm not the only one
Acknowledging the inevitability of things outside of our control, we understand that any outcome is the result of a larger collective effort and not solely the actions of one individual.


This task it seems a backwards path
The challenge we face appears to be leading us away from our ultimate goal, making it more difficult to achieve.


When things are said in context
Considering the larger picture in which an idea or statement is being made is crucial for its proper interpretation and understanding.


Big enough to wrap in boxes
The problem we're facing is so complex and multifaceted that it is difficult to simplistically compartmentalize and analyze.


The things we'd say aren't easy to replace
Our words carry great weight and significance and cannot be easily negated or replaced.


Be brief if you're unsure
If you're uncertain about something, it's better to state your thoughts briefly rather than expounding on them at length and risking errors or misunderstandings.


That's much braver than before
Admitting that you don't know everything and being willing to express yourself despite that uncertainty shows courage and strength of character.


So what's your point?
What exactly are you trying to communicate? What is the crux of the matter?


Who's the next you will anoint?
Who will be the next person to take up the mantle, to assume a position or responsibility that you have held?


There's nowhere to transcend to
There is no higher plane of existence or achievement to which one can realistically aspire.


If we've got no ears to lend you
Unless we are willing to listen and learn, we cannot offer you any meaningful help or insight into your situation.


I hate to say it, you're no replacement
Regrettably, you are not an adequate substitute for what we had previously, and there is no easy way to fill that void.


Excuse you cannot buy
There is no justification that can negate or excuse your wrongdoing.


It seems so aimless, just short and painless
The situation we find ourselves in feels pointless and without direction, with little to show for our efforts and difficulties.


The truth you cannot hide
No matter how hard you try to mislead or deceive, the truth of your actions will inevitably be revealed.


The trouble measures, there's something better
Although we may be currently experiencing difficulty or distress, we know that there is a better outcome or solution waiting for us on the other side.


There's one more word to try
Despite our previous attempts falling short, there is still one more attempt or avenue to pursue.


I'm never good at lies
I am not adept at dishonesty or concealing the truth.


Never good with liars
I have difficulty trusting or connecting with those who consistently deceive others.


Had you thought about it?
Have you given any consideration to a particular issue or situation?


Could you live without it?
Is something so integral to your life that you couldn't imagine living without it?


'Cause it's all about you in the end
Ultimately, each person is responsible for their own decisions and the impact those choices have on their own lives.


And it's so elaborate
The situation we're in is incredibly complex and intricate in its details and nuances.


But you never had it
Despite the intricacies of the situation, you have never truly experienced or understood it from our point of view.


And you cannot grab it
It is impossible for you to fully comprehend or control this situation and its outcome.


If you try
Even if you attempt to exert some level of influence or control over the situation, your efforts will ultimately be futile.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ELGIN EVANDER TURNER, ROBERT F. DIGGS, T. WASHINGTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Dire Wolf

Thanks for sharing, one of my favorite UM jams!

al stuart

excellent, thanks for posting

budder Fingerz710

The best.

Bryan Scheinkopf

🤘🤘🤘🤓

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