DEAD END
Whitest Boy Alive Lyrics
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If I do look back, I'll never get over you
Any ounces of doubt, don't show them
In this ancient game we're playing, it's never lose.
Why did it fail? For what reason?
How many times, and whom must I ask to know?
Just a long way around or a dead end?
The Whitest Boy Alive's song "Dead End" is a somber tune that talks about failed relationships and the struggle of moving on. The opening line "Don't turn around, keep going" speaks to the idea of moving forward and not dwelling on the past. The singer knows that "If I do look back, I'll never get over you" and is urging themselves not to reminisce on the memories of the past. The language used in the song is figurative, and the theme of the song is based on an analogy to some sort of game where the ultimate goal is to never lose.
The theme continues throughout the song with lines such as, "Any ounces of doubt, don't show them," which means the singer does not want to have any doubts shown because they will impede their progress. The repetition of the phrase "It's never loose" adds significance to the fact that the singer believes that they can never lose the game, which is getting over the past and moving on. They question what went wrong in the relationship by asking "Why did it fail? For what reason?" and express their frustration by asking "How many times, and whom must I ask to know?" The song concludes with "Just a long way around or a dead end? Bound for a place I could only reach alone," which suggests that they are willing to take the long road to get over the past rather than be stuck in a "dead end" of a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't turn around, keep going
Don't stop or look back, just continue moving forward.
If I do look back, I'll never get over you
If I let myself reminisce about the past, I'll never be able to move on from our relationship.
Any ounces of doubt, don't show them
Don't reveal any hesitation or uncertainty I may be feeling on this journey.
In this ancient game we're playing, it's never lose.
Life is a long, ongoing game, and the only way to 'win' is to keep going and never give up.
Why did it fail? For what reason?
I'm questioning why our relationship ended and trying to understand the cause of its failure.
How many times, and whom must I ask to know?
I'm searching for answers and seeking advice from various sources to help me understand what went wrong.
Just a long way around or a dead end?
I'm unsure if the path I'm on will lead me to happiness and fulfillment, or if it's ultimately a dead end.
Bound for a place I could only reach alone
Despite the uncertainty and challenges I may face, I know that ultimately I must find my own way and rely on myself to reach my destination.
Contributed by Elliot D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.