2. U.S. Hardcore punk group
Rubberneck
Whitecross Lyrics
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Live a lie is my best defense
Never know, the way is hard to pick
People say I'm a rubber neck
Oh, it's not that I don't care
I do my best ain't that good enough
Don't understand why it's got to be
The straight and narrow's not enough for me.
Oh, it's not that I don't care
Why, tell me why do I have to decide
I always hide behind my state of mind
So easy to hide
Another day without sacrifice
Another way I don't pay the price
Don't look at me when you lay the blame
Livin' holy's just another game
Oh, sometimes I don't care
Why do I need to decide
I hide behind the state of my mind
So easy to hide
Why, tell me why do I have to decide
I always hide behind my state of mind
So easy to hide
The song "Rubberneck" by Whitecross explores the internal conflict of a person who is torn between living a life of authenticity and conforming to the expectations of society. The opening lines, "Can't decide gonna ride the fence, live a lie is my best defense," indicate someone who is indecisive and seeks safety in conformity. The singer struggles with the difficult question of how to live an authentic life amongst the pressures and expectations of others. The phrase "rubberneck" is used to describe someone who peers at something in curiosity, but does not take any action towards it. The chorus, "Oh, it's not that I don't care," is a repeated plea indicating the person's desire to be understood and accepted for who they are.
The song goes on to express that the singer does do their best and does their share, but this still doesn't seem to be enough for society. The line "The straight and narrow's not enough for me," suggests they cannot be happy with simply going through the motions of what is expected of them. They are questioning why they must always choose to conform or to be their true self. The final lines of the song, "Living holy's just another game," indicate a disillusionment with religion and spirituality. The singer is struggling to find their place in the world and their own sense of identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't decide gonna ride the fence
I can't make up my mind, so I'm going to stay neutral and not take a side.
Live a lie is my best defense
I pretend to be someone I'm not as a way to protect myself from the truth or criticism.
Never know, the way is hard to pick
I'm unsure of what path to take and it's difficult to make a decision.
People say I'm a rubber neck
Others judge me for being indecisive and not taking a stand.
Oh, it's not that I don't care
I do care, but I struggle with making choices and taking action.
I do my best ain't that good enough
I try my hardest, but it may not be enough to satisfy myself or others.
I do my share as much as anyone
I contribute and do my part like everyone else.
Don't understand why it's got to be
I don't comprehend why life requires me to make difficult choices and commit to a specific path.
The straight and narrow's not enough for me.
I'm not content with following a conventional or traditional path in life.
Why, tell me why do I have to decide
I'm questioning why I'm expected to make a choice or pick a side.
I always hide behind my state of mind
I use my thoughts and emotions as a way to avoid taking action or making decisions.
So easy to hide
It's simple to keep my true thoughts and feelings from others and avoid being vulnerable.
Another day without sacrifice
I'm living without giving up or suffering anything.
Another way I don't pay the price
I don't face any consequences for avoiding making decisions or taking action.
Don't look at me when you lay the blame
I'm not responsible for the negative outcomes that result from my inaction or indecisiveness.
Livin' holy's just another game
Trying to act morally or religiously is just another role or façade that I take on.
Oh, sometimes I don't care
There are times when I'm so overwhelmed with indecisiveness that I feel apathetic.
Why do I need to decide
I question why it's necessary for me to make choices and commitments in life.
I hide behind the state of my mind
I use my mind as an excuse to avoid taking action or making difficult choices.
So easy to hide
It's effortless for me to conceal my true thoughts, feelings, and intentions from others.
Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bruce M. Axtens
on No Way I'm Goin' Down
"thought the fight was fixed" rather than "thought the light was fixed". The imagery in the song is all about fighting in a ring and a fixed fight is not a fair one.