Dead END
v/a DC Demos LP Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's the story of my life
Down on my luck and now it's time I learned
Everything has it's price
But broken hearts and empty pockets
Don't determine wrong and right
When the thoughts that fill your head
The view from the alley and the view from the valley
Are empty and surrounded by dead ends
The bridges that I burned and the lessons that I learned
Don't amount to a damn thing in the end
Been accused and called a criminal
But I've yet to speak my mind
I may lose but the damage is minimal
And I'll soon respond in kind
I need an angel or a patron to save me
I need a message or a sign
Kings and queens have set me on their assorted paths
But I'll find my way in time
The v/a DC Demos LP's song "Dead End" is a reflective track that chronicles the hardships and inner turmoil that lead a person to feel stuck and without direction. The singer acknowledges their own mistakes, spending more than they earned, indicating a lack of control and a sense of hopelessness. The concept of everything having a price is brought up, but the song emphasizes that true morality cannot be dictated by financial success or failure. The line "When the thoughts that fill your head are the kind that make your eyeballs sweat at night" is a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming anxiety and stress that can come from feeling trapped and without control.
The chorus of the song is especially poignant in its despair, claiming that both the view from the alley and the view from the valley are empty and surrounded by dead ends. The bridges that have been burned and the lessons that have been learned amount to nothing in the end. The singer is left feeling like they are lacking direction, despite having been tried and judged before. They express a need for guidance and direction, whether it be from an angel, patron, or message/sign. The final line of the song suggests that the singer is determined to find their own path, rather than follow those set by society's supposed kings and queens.
Overall, "Dead End" is a song that speaks to the desperation and confusion that can come from facing hardship and feeling like there is no clear way forward. The singer grapples with their own missteps but ultimately seeks to find their own way, even if it means going against the expectations of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Spent a buck for every dime I earned
I have made poor financial decisions my entire life and have very little to show for the work I have put in.
It's the story of my life
This pattern of poor decision-making and financial struggle is a recurring theme in my life.
Down on my luck and now it's time I learned
I have experienced a string of bad luck and now realize that I need to make changes in my life in order to improve my situation.
Everything has it's price
Every decision and action in life comes with consequences, whether positive or negative.
But broken hearts and empty pockets
Lack of money and emotional pain do not indicate whether a decision or action was right or wrong.
Don't determine wrong and right
The presence or absence of money and emotional pain should not be used to judge the moral value of a decision or action.
When the thoughts that fill your head
When your mind is consumed by troubling thoughts,
Are the kind that make your eyeballs sweat at night
Thoughts that cause physical discomfort and anxiety, even when you are trying to sleep.
The view from the alley and the view from the valley
Regardless of whether one is in poverty or prosperity,
Are empty and surrounded by dead ends
Both situations can feel lacking and directionless.
The bridges that I burned and the lessons that I learned
Mistakes I have made in the past and the knowledge I have gained from them,
Don't amount to a damn thing in the end
Will ultimately be irrelevant and have little impact on my future.
Been accused and called a criminal
I have been judged and labeled unfairly by others.
But I've yet to speak my mind
I have not had the opportunity to defend myself or share my side of the story.
I may lose but the damage is minimal
Even if I do not come out on top, the negative consequences will not be severe.
And I'll soon respond in kind
I plan to retaliate or defend myself soon.
I need an angel or a patron to save me
I am in a desperate situation and require outside help to improve my circumstances.
I need a message or a sign
I am looking for guidance or direction in life.
Kings and queens have set me on their assorted paths
Powerful and influential people have tried to guide me down various paths in life.
But I'll find my way in time
I am confident that I will ultimately find my own path in life.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind