After their debut LP release, Highways, in 2012 the band started gaining national notoriety and laid the foundations of a loyal fan base. Reinforced by their most accomplished work to date, 2015’s Not A Chance EP, which was released through Panic State Records. The record’s single “Bridge Burner” quickly amassed over 1,000,000 plays on Spotify.
Based in Ottawa and collecting members from the far reaches of Eastern Canada, We Were Sharks continue to wield the full-force of Canadian alternative music. Through a penchant for blending melodic harmony with powerful dissonance they continue to produce infectious music. Even though these boys already have a lot of mileage under their belts, their book is far from written.
Shameless
We Were Sharks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sick of banging on a locked door
I′ll just keep living on the outside
Everything is fine everything is fine
Everything is fine
What you looking at the time for
I don't think I've ever been bored
Cuz everything is fine everything is fine
Everything is fucked
And everybody acts so shameless
Fuck that fuck you eat pavement
Everybody acts so shameless, shameless
We′re all looking for reactions
Thumbs up for destructions
I can′t help feeling like we crossed some line
Everything is fine everything is fine
Everything is fine
If I close my eyes
Everything is fucked
And everybody acts so shameless
Fuck that fuck you eat pavement
Everybody acts so shameless, shameless
Now everybody wants to be famous
That's self worth based on payment
I′d rather be dead than nameless
So shameless
Can I be perfect
I want to be like you
Oh make me over
Come on fix my attitude
Can I be perfect
Yeah I want to see the light
I want to believe that everything is fine everything is fine
EverythIng is fine
If I close my eyes
Then I won't lose my mind
Everything is fine
Everything is fine
Everybody acts so shameless
Fuck that fuck you eat pavement
Everybody acts so shameless, shameless
Now everybody wants to be famous
That′s self worth based on payment
I'd rather be dead than nameless
So shameless
Everybody acts so shameless
Everybody acts so shameless
Everybody acts so shameless
The song Shameless by We Were Sharks is a powerful commentary on the state of society today. It begins with the singer expressing frustration with a situation that they are unable to change, represented by the locked door they are banging on. They retreat to living on the outside, pretending that everything is fine, despite it clearly being anything but. The repetition of 'everything is fine' highlights the coping mechanism of shutting off emotions, which is all too familiar for many people in today's world.
The verse continues with the singer questioning the pointlessness of measuring time, as they have never been bored. However, this nonchalance is a facade, and the message soon switches to one of frustration and cynicism at the state of things. The high-fiving hands on the clock seem to be smugly congratulating themselves for continuing to tick, while the world falls apart outside. The chorus condemns society's 'shameless' attitude, where everyone is constantly trying to outdo one another and get attention, no matter what the cost. The line "fuck that, fuck you, eat pavement" is a brutal dismissal of those who strive for fame and recognition at the expense of everything else.
The second verse ramps up the criticism, with the singer observing that everyone seems to be seeking reactions and approval for destructive behaviour. The mention of crossing some line suggests that things have gone too far and there is no going back. The repetition of 'everything is fine' becomes increasingly desperate, as if trying to convince themselves that things really are okay. The bridge reinforces the idea that people feel they have to be perfect, constantly striving for something that is unattainable, just to fit in with societal norms.
Overall, the song Shameless is a damning indictment of the way that society operates. The message is incredibly relevant in today's world, where social media and fame are seen as the ultimate goals in life. The repetition of certain phrases adds to the sense of frustration and desperation, while the chorus is a fierce condemnation of the way that people act. The song encourages listeners to take a step back and consider what is really important in life, rather than just trying to be the loudest and most attention-seeking person in the room.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't want to think about it anymore
I'm tired of dwelling on my problems and worries
I'm sick of banging on a locked door
I'm tired of putting effort into something that's not going to change
I'll just keep living on the outside
I'll continue to be an outsider and not worry about fitting in
Everything is fine everything is fine
I'm trying to convince myself that things are okay, even though they're not
What you looking at the time for
Why are you so concerned about the time?
I don't think I've ever been bored
I'm always doing something, but it doesn't mean I'm satisfied or happy
Hands on the clock are giving high fives
I'm acknowledging time's passage as if it's a positive thing
Cuz everything is fine everything is fine
I'm still trying to convince myself that everything is okay
Everything is fucked
Things are really messed up right now
And everybody acts so shameless
It seems like everyone is selfish and doesn't care about others
Fuck that fuck you eat pavement
I'm frustrated with people who act this way
We're all looking for reactions
We're all seeking attention and validation
Thumbs up for destructions
We're cheering for things that are harmful or negative
I can't help feeling like we crossed some line
I have a sense that we've gone too far and can't turn back
Now everybody wants to be famous
It seems like everyone is chasing fame and attention
That's self worth based on payment
People are valuing themselves based on money and material success
I'd rather be dead than nameless
I would rather be remembered even if it means dying
Can I be perfect
I want to be flawless and without any faults
I want to be like you
I'm comparing myself to someone else, possibly in an unhealthy way
Oh make me over
I want to be transformed, possibly in an attempt to be someone else
Come on fix my attitude
I need my mindset to be changed or improved
Yeah I want to see the light
I want to be enlightened and have a better understanding of things
I want to believe that everything is fine everything is fine
I'm desperately trying to believe that everything is going to be okay
If I close my eyes then I won't lose my mind
I'm trying to escape from my problems or worries by not thinking about them
Everybody acts so shameless
It's frustrating to see people act without regard for others or decency
Contributed by Katherine P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kelsea
When you find the perfect new pop punk band cruising vinyls it’s just somehow even more satisfying. Glad to have found y’all keep rocking!
Philip Bell
I think you're talking about in a record store, but I just found these guys by browsing a seller's vinyl on discogs. Couldn't be happier.
Michael Somer
Found these guys on Spotify. This is some damn good skatepunk/rockandroll... in my humble opinion
Brody Toner
I think this might be my new favorite song! They absolutely killed it with this one!
Revivalrecs
Yeah they did!!!
Jamesonsalz_98
We were sharks should tour with four years strong and settle your scores that would be epic
PopThatPunk
Oh my god yes! Truer words have never been spoken! World tour, throw Chunk No Captain Chunk in there that be complete and utter perfection
Calber Enrique Ch.
@Will DuPont ,rg
Michaelroni420
They already toured with settle your scores a year or two ago and it was amazing I saw them in the basement of a bowling alley
Revivalrecs
That would be epic!