Lies
What Is Lyrics
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"Don't waste your time with politics" he said
"Just chase skirts instead"
"Life is too short, and your almost dead" he said
"I met a woman once, I gave her my best shot"
"But never did I talk"
"If I had her back, I'd be as real as my age"
"I so don't blame them, I wouldn't do the same"
And you want to be dressed in poetry
But imagery doesn't fit
And you want resizing
But darling dear get a grip
And I think what I just wrote is going over my head
I'm stealing lines from myself
And what I said was never said
It's just a lyrical lie
Made up in my mind
And you want to be dressed in poetry
But imagery doesn't fit
And you want resizing
But darling dear get a grip
You're moving but not aware
You're drowsy without a care
Except keeping your whites behind your lids
And your lids are your best canvas
I can only imagine what your painting
And your body on my mattress is proof
And your makeup on your pillow is proof
And I think what I just wrote is going over my head
I'm stealing lines from myself
And what I said was never said
It's just a lyrical lie
Made up in my mind
The first verse of the song "Lies" by What Is, introduces an old man and his advice to the singer. The old man instructs the singer not to waste their time with politics and to instead chase romantic relationships. The old man believes that life is short and the singer is almost dead, indicating that the singer should spend their time living life to the fullest. The old man shares a personal experience where he failed to properly pursue a woman and regrets not being true to himself. The singer acknowledges that they cannot blame others for their mistakes, but they can express their regret through music.
The chorus of the song repeats the lines: "And you want to be dressed in poetry, But imagery doesn't fit, And you want resizing, But darling dear get a grip". Through these lyrics, the singer is discussing the struggle of expressing oneself through poetry and art. They are examining the limitations of language and expression, realizing that sometimes the message cannot be captured with just words, no matter how poetic they may be. The singer may also be hinting at the idea that the "darling" they are referring to is themselves and that they need to hone their artistic ability before they can truly express themselves.
The final verse of the song is introspective and reflective. The singer discusses the idea of being unaware of their own actions or state of mind. They write about the feeling of being drowsy and how one's eyes can be a canvas for the mind. They then mention the physical presence of another person and the evidence that is left behind through makeup and clothing. The final lines of the song bring the theme back to the singer's struggle with expression, acknowledging that even the words they have spoken could be perceived as a "lyrical lie".
Overall, "Lies" by What Is can be seen as an exploration of themes such as regret, expression, and the limitations of language.
Line by Line Meaning
A old man gave me a tip he said
An elderly man advised me against participating in politics and instead chasing after women, citing the shortness of life and the inevitability of death.
"Just chase skirts instead"
The man suggested that I should focus on pursuing romantic relationships with women rather than involving myself in political matters.
"Life is too short, and your almost dead" he said
The man emphasized the brevity of life and how quickly time passes, urging me to focus on enjoying life while I still can.
"I met a woman once, I gave her my best shot"
The artist recounts a past encounter with a woman, insinuating that he tried to pursue a romantic relationship with her.
"But never did I talk"
Despite his initial efforts, the artist failed to communicate his feelings to the woman he was interested in.
"If I had her back, I'd be as real as my age"
The singer believes that if he had another chance with the woman he previously tried to pursue, he would be honest and genuine about his feelings, rather than holding back like he did before.
"I so don't blame them, I wouldn't do the same"
The singer acknowledges that he cannot hold others accountable for their decisions regarding romantic relationships because he understands the difficulty of approaching someone with genuine feelings.
"But I can blame them, I'd Sing her this"
Despite his empathy for others facing the same romantic struggles, the artist believes that he would be able to express himself musically if given the chance.
"And you want to be dressed in poetry, But imagery doesn't fit"
The artist is trying to write a song, but the poetic metaphors they are attempting to use do not seem to accurately convey their emotions.
"And you want resizing, But darling dear get a grip"
The artist is struggling to express themselves in their song and is advised to compose themselves and move forward.
"You're moving but not aware, You're drowsy without a care, Except keeping your whites behind your lids"
The singer is describing someone they know as sleepwalking through their life, not paying attention to their surroundings and only concerned with finding a comfortable place to rest.
"And your lids are your best canvas, I can only imagine what your painting, And your body on my mattress is proof, And your makeup on your pillow is proof"
Despite their criticisms of this person's lack of attentiveness, the artist is still enamored with them and the intimacy they shared, evidenced by the remnants of their lover's body and makeup on their bed.
"And I think what I just wrote is going over my head, I'm stealing lines from myself, And what I said was never said, It's just a lyrical lie, Made up in my mind"
At the end of the song, the singer realizes that they have been struggling with expressing their emotions through their music and that the lyrics they have written are not even true to their own experiences, but rather a fabrication of their imagination.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FERNANDO CIMATO, JEFF CZUM, JEFFREY MARTIN CZUM, SHAANT HACIKYAN, SHAANT TIMOTHY HACIKYAN, TOM FALCONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Edisius95
Experiences hard wire your brain during childhood. The likelihood you will truly escape the psychological hole you have dug yourself is low, because most people that do lie are weak like you said and give up before making any real progress because it takes real effort and the ability to admit when you're wrong to be able to change those things. Most people are too ego driven to do it. But when they are 50 and all alone and no one wants their wrinkly narcissistic ass, they will be too far in that hole to EVER escape it and will die alone with no one. No kids, no wife/husband, no friends... nothing. All because they ALLOWED their ego to control their behavior for immediate and temporary self gratification that is meaningless in the grander scheme of things.
Not only that, but liars entirely destroy their own credibility. Completely annihilated. People might believe a few lies at first, but after a while you will say something that contradicts what you said earlier and people will catch on to the lie. It can be the smallest tiniest detail, if it's not consistent with reality and what you say, people get suspicious of you and stop taking what you say as anything that holds real weight and is actually worth listening to. People don't want to waste their time with it. And I dont blame them!
You have to really truly want to change your ways. That desire 100% has to come from within you. No one else. Not from people telling you over and over to stop doing something, because that more often than not makes people do the opposite out of spite (another narcissistic trait I might add).. the desire has to come from you. You have to truly see the upsides to constant truth telling for that desire to really ignite in you. And you'll either develop that desire for authentic change after boxing yourself in with lies so many times over your life and eventually you will get tired of it, because people WILL see through it, or your ego will take 100% possession of your inner self and you'll completely lose what little bit of yourself you have left. I've seen it enough in other people and believe me, you don't want that to happen to you!
It's a vicious cycle of self destruction and the destruction of those in your immediate circle. But that's how it leaves you alone and alienated as life goes on.
As a person who is a truth teller and values authenticity in my daily life, I hope you are able to find a way to see through to the other side and come to the decision that will leave you feeling so much more complete and a well rounded overall happy person. The path you take is up to you, but keep in mind their ends are entirely polar opposite.
Just something to think about... best of luck to you in your endeavors 😎
Paul Thoresen
He is absolutely right about paranoid people. I'm quite a paranoid person and people don't realize how much I am paying attention to their every action and word and that it is stored for a very long time. I can understand a 'white lie', sure you didn't want to hurt some frail persons feelings, but I certain things you say or do will make me not trust you for a long time, or think less of you in general, especially when certain connections are made, such as noticing a contradiction.
Saying things behind peoples backs, racial undertones, violent undertones, suspicious silence(eg conversation halting when a particular person nears, or when a particular topic comes up), who you are paying the most attention to, if you are paying attention to me, tapping on the desk(are you impatient? nervous?), this is a short list of things I am taking in of everyone I interact with or am surrounded by. By brain is trapped in an analytical process, so if there is some kind of contradiction or connection it's...well it's not always a "red flag", but it's like a 'spidey sense' this little light bulb goes off, the feeling of 'oh I get what is going on here'.
The default position is not negative though, you have to earn suspicion. Problem is that it doesn't take long for most people to doing something immoral, but this means you feel very comfortable with those that consistently don't take negative action.
Lies are a really bad one, people might be violent out of emotional outburst, or say means things, or be greedy, whatever, but there is calm intent with a lie, and it shakes the core of the trust between us. I don't feel comfortable talking to about anything personal, leaving you near my possessions, or hold any weight in your opinions.
I don't want to make it sound so black and white, but hard to summarize without extreme length.
Peter Fitzpatrick
The need to be honest & truthful is SO underrated , particularly by the (unexperienced ) young.
If one gets a reputation as a liar, people will judge you negatively on many more issues. It is a character-flaw & those who have it also,generally, have other flaws. It will stick with you for the rest of your life.
From truth flows ...
Trustworthiness
Dependability
Morality
Personal Responsibility
Self awareness
"Good-ness"
Humility
& many more...
If someone lies to me, I evaluate them as being not worthy of my time or effort. I will avoid any form of engagement with them ... because... well, they are frauds, no good can come from engaging with such a person.
Just my 2c.
Loving the JP lectures.. 😎👍
Jerry Barbender
This is something I have given a lot of thought to over a very long time. I have always found that some lies are necessary just to get through life . It is unfortunate that is the case , but I guess it's just the nature of human beings . They are "seeking" your weakness for the most part , trying to find faults and sometimes some lies are needed to get through that and get past that.
I HATE having to lie to people , but I can do it when it's absolutely necessary. However . I have a small group of people in my life, the main one being my partner , who I can absolutely trust and share everything with and I never lie to them.
There is a Leonard Cohen song / poem . My Secret Life . In there he says , (roughly) , "I lie and I cheat to just get by , but I'd die for the truth - in my secret life "
An exxample of the kind of lie I would - and HAVE - often , told out of necessity. For example , during an interview for a job I might lie about my past experience , say I have had more experience than I really have . Even lie about my knowledge / qualifications .
If I hadn't told those lies , and used those kind of lies , I doubt I WOULD EVER HAVE HAD A JOB IN MY LIFE!
Those are the kind of lies which I "use" if I have to . They are a "means to an end", for a "good cause" if you like . I look at it like , they are not "personal" lies that will hurt an individual. To quote the Leonard Cohen song , they are just a means of "getting by".
SO , unfortunately , Lies are necessary , and useful sometimes , just to get through life . I think that is how it is with a lot of people.
Donna Moon
I really do regret all the lies I've ever told because it's never been worth it. Recently I've realized that I lie when I'm insecure or want control of the situation. Hopefully I can tell the truth from now on and stop being so weak
John K
How're you doing?
Ali Qatishat
Mike Knight That's probably a problem. Be honest about everything - to yourself first and foremost. This doesn't mean open up completely to everyone
Earthworm Sim
You shall get there. We all will
Edisius95
Experiences hard wire your brain during childhood. The likelihood you will truly escape the psychological hole you have dug yourself is low, because most people that do lie are weak like you said and give up before making any real progress because it takes real effort and the ability to admit when you're wrong to be able to change those things. Most people are too ego driven to do it. But when they are 50 and all alone and no one wants their wrinkly narcissistic ass, they will be too far in that hole to EVER escape it and will die alone with no one. No kids, no wife/husband, no friends... nothing. All because they ALLOWED their ego to control their behavior for immediate and temporary self gratification that is meaningless in the grander scheme of things.
Not only that, but liars entirely destroy their own credibility. Completely annihilated. People might believe a few lies at first, but after a while you will say something that contradicts what you said earlier and people will catch on to the lie. It can be the smallest tiniest detail, if it's not consistent with reality and what you say, people get suspicious of you and stop taking what you say as anything that holds real weight and is actually worth listening to. People don't want to waste their time with it. And I dont blame them!
You have to really truly want to change your ways. That desire 100% has to come from within you. No one else. Not from people telling you over and over to stop doing something, because that more often than not makes people do the opposite out of spite (another narcissistic trait I might add).. the desire has to come from you. You have to truly see the upsides to constant truth telling for that desire to really ignite in you. And you'll either develop that desire for authentic change after boxing yourself in with lies so many times over your life and eventually you will get tired of it, because people WILL see through it, or your ego will take 100% possession of your inner self and you'll completely lose what little bit of yourself you have left. I've seen it enough in other people and believe me, you don't want that to happen to you!
It's a vicious cycle of self destruction and the destruction of those in your immediate circle. But that's how it leaves you alone and alienated as life goes on.
As a person who is a truth teller and values authenticity in my daily life, I hope you are able to find a way to see through to the other side and come to the decision that will leave you feeling so much more complete and a well rounded overall happy person. The path you take is up to you, but keep in mind their ends are entirely polar opposite.
Just something to think about... best of luck to you in your endeavors 😎
Bootstrap Bill
I lied about myself in relationships. It was painful. I hate being a liar, it's not worth it
Ashley Bryant
"One of the advantages to telling the truth is that you don't have to remember what you've said". I love this.
Usie Q
Right! I said it over and over again in my head so I’ll remember this quote.
Ashley Bryant
@Usie Q Amen to that. 🤓
Patricksinnermachinations 3
Yeah but thats thinking of lying from the perspective of someone who is honest, me myself a compulsive liar for many years now will just alter the story and create a new reality right there and then works