The band takes its name from the New Order song "Love Vigilantes," although their sound tends more to folk, Americana, and country rock than New Wave. Their 2001 album Summershine also showed some movement toward Brit-pop and R.E.M.-style college rock, which would be more fully explored in Mallonee's solo career.
Sympathy
Vigilantes of Love Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You could call them your friends
But then all they'll allow you
Is a scantily-clad skeleton
I anticipate your deep concern
Believe me all my bridges burned
Long ago I reveled in that loathsome deed
Love's fallen down on me
So you see I do not need your sympathy
Got a tongue like a serpent
And you speak with a hiss
And you lie through your gold teeth
And your friends they're pathetic
Saw you out among the patients
When they took you all out for a walk
You tried to grab me through the chain link
But my dad says I really shouldn't talk
The song "Sympathy" by Vigilantes of Love describes the struggle of living in the shadows and being accepted by others. The first verse talks about the consequences of living in darkness and calling it home. The only things one would get in return are shallow, meaningless relationships and a life that is not worth living. The second verse introduces a character who is deceitful and manipulative, with a tongue like a serpent. The character's actions and words prove their lack of respect for others, and all they have are pathetic friends who are just as deceitful as them.
However, the chorus of the song takes a turn as the main character explains that they do not need the sympathy of such people. They have realized long ago that their foolish and loathsome deeds have consequences, and they have learned to live with them. They have embraced the falling down of love, and do not need the judgment or approval of those around them.
Overall, "Sympathy" speaks to the idea that it is important to find people who accept us for who we are, rather than conforming to what others expect of us. It is an anthem for those who have learned to embrace their mistakes and find a way to live with them, without the need for sympathy or validation from others.
Line by Line Meaning
You could live in the shadows
You have the option to live a hidden life, away from the public glare.
You could call them your friends
The people in the shadows may be your companions, but they may not necessarily have your best interests in mind.
But then all they'll allow you
Is a scantily-clad skeleton
However, associating with them will leave you with minimal benefits and a hollow existence.
I anticipate your deep concern
I know that you worry about me and may even pity me.
Believe me all my bridges burned
I have made many mistakes in the past, and have destroyed all of my connections and relationships with others.
Long ago I reveled in that loathsome deed
I used to enjoy indulging in immoral activities and had no remorse for my actions.
So from upper rooms and empty tombs
Love's fallen down on me
Despite my past, I have been blessed with love and redemption, even if it seems to appear from unlikely or unconventional sources.
So you see I do not need your sympathy
I am aware of my past and the mistakes I have made, but I do not require your pity or commiseration.
Got a tongue like a serpent
You speak deceitfully and use your words to manipulate others.
And you speak with a hiss
Your tone and words are threatening and intimidating in nature.
And you lie through your gold teeth
You are dishonest and untrustworthy, even though you may appear affluent or successful on the outside.
And your friends they're pathetic
The people you surround yourself with may not have admirable traits and may not support you in your journey towards positivity and personal growth.
Saw you out among the patients
When they took you all out for a walk
I witnessed you in a vulnerable state when you were out in public with others.
You tried to grab me through the chain link
You attempted to reach out to me, but there were physical barriers that prevented you from doing so.
But my dad says I really shouldn't talk
However, I am advised against involving myself with people who may not have my best interests in mind, and therefore chose not to communicate with you further.
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.