This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Help me if you can
It's just that this
Is not the way I'm wired, so
Could you please
Help me understand why
You've given in to all these
Reckless dark desires you're
Lying to yourself again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it, you're pounding on a fault line
What'll it take to get it through to you precious
I'm over this, why do you wanna throw it away like this?
Such a mess, why would I want to watch you?
Disconnect and self destruct one bullet at a time
What's your rush now?
Everyone will have his day to die
Medicated, drama queen
Picture perfect, numb belligerence
Narcissistic drama queen
Craving fame and all its decadence
Lying through your teeth again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it, you're pounding on a fault line
What'll it take to get it through to you, precious?
Go with this, why do you wanna throw it away like this?
Such a mess, why would I wanna watch you
Disconnect and self destruct one bullet at a time
What's your rush now?
Everyone will have his day to die
They were right about you
They were right about you
Lying to my face again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it, you're pounding on the fault line
What'll it take to get it through to you, precious?
I'm over this, why do you wanna throw it away like this
Such a mess
Over this, over this
Disconnect and self destruct, one bullet at a time
What's your hurry, everyone will have his day to die
If you choose to pull the trigger
Should your drama prove sincere
Do it somewhere far away from here
It's just that this
Is not the way I'm wired, so
Could you please
Help me understand why
You've given in to all these
Reckless dark desires you're
Lying to yourself again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it, you're pounding on a fault line
What'll it take to get it through to you precious
I'm over this, why do you wanna throw it away like this?
Such a mess, why would I want to watch you?
Disconnect and self destruct one bullet at a time
What's your rush now?
Everyone will have his day to die
Medicated, drama queen
Picture perfect, numb belligerence
Narcissistic drama queen
Craving fame and all its decadence
Lying through your teeth again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it, you're pounding on a fault line
What'll it take to get it through to you, precious?
Go with this, why do you wanna throw it away like this?
Such a mess, why would I wanna watch you
Disconnect and self destruct one bullet at a time
What's your rush now?
Everyone will have his day to die
They were right about you
They were right about you
Lying to my face again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it, you're pounding on the fault line
What'll it take to get it through to you, precious?
I'm over this, why do you wanna throw it away like this
Such a mess
Over this, over this
Disconnect and self destruct, one bullet at a time
What's your hurry, everyone will have his day to die
If you choose to pull the trigger
Should your drama prove sincere
Do it somewhere far away from here
Lyrics submitted by OwnPersonalDemon, edited by GHX, lorelaibutter
The Outsider Lyrics as written by Maynard James Keenan Billy Howerdel
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
I like how the song puts you on the wrong the foot from the start, as you're thinking from the lyrics the outsider wants to understand the addict to be able to help him/her. As the lyrics progress, slowly you'll see that there is not much compassion for the addict, as he's being harshly judged which suggests total lack of understanding.
In the end it's not so much about the addict, but about the outsider looking at the addict as a threat to him/herself, never being able to bridge that gap from being the outsider to being a friend to able to help. The outsider might even be in a worse state than the addict, as he only cares about him/herself and the addict is a nuisance.
"if your drama proves sincere" so if the addict is actually telling the truth, and therefore NOT lying to himself, "do it somewhere far away from here", the outsider don't care if the addict kills himself as long as he/her is not bothered anymore by the addict.
sarcasm Thanks outsider for your help and understanding! /sarcasm
just look at your own life, most people are like this.
@ahlmann "just look at your own life, most people are like this."<br /> <br /> Just look at this comment section! :D
@ahlmann I seriously doubt that anyone will read this being at the last comment was made like eight years ago but who knows I hope you guys do come across this. I’m guessing by a lot of the responses there aren’t very many addicts or alcoholics responding to what this song is about or this entire album for that matter. School is out in case you notice the 13th step is a term used in both alcoholics anonymous. 13th stepping is not sanction or suggested by either NA or AA & in most cases highly frowned upon. With the 13th separation is someone who goes to meetings looking for vulnerable people to have sex with. They are fucking scumbags and they can literally derail someone who’s trying to help themselves get better. With this song is about it’s not an outsider looking in this is the inner monologue of a drug addict full of self-doubt who knows exactly where he’s gonna end up; right back where he …Anybody have a guess? It’s not where he started, it’s not where he ended, it’s right where he is and has been; Not wanting to live not wanting to die not knowing what the fuck to do. The line at the very end you think is the cruelest & the meanest is actually the one with the most hope of any other line In the song. By the way throughout this song the person is neither high nor sober they are simply abstaining white knuckle abstention it fucking sucks! Who is the outsider the outsider is himself & doesn’t recognize this person Other than to know that it’s himself but this inner shit what the fuck is this stuff going on I don’t know this is new it’s real new and it’s freaking me the fuck out! I know what I’m like when I’m high I have a memory of what I’m like when I’m sober but who the fuck is this and How do I get here so fast every time I get sober then fuck up I end up back here faster than the time before and the time before that and time for that what is with the cycle this vicious fucking cycle? Do it somewhere far away from here is not reference to a place reference to a state of mind in a state of being In a state of chaos not even fit to kill himself who is he even killing in the first place and I don’t want to kill anyone I don’t want to die let me think about this we get away from where I’m at right now let me make sense of this let me get far away from how I feel right now and the first thing I Gotta do is be still if I’m right back here again it must mean I’ve been here before this shits not working anymore this drugs booze this sex the gambling this anger this rage is eating this Lonely does this need to constantly work the fuck out this need to constantly had the best of everything this this fucking shit but every fucking human being is susceptible to Which means I’m not as hopeless as I thought what does that shit is fucking people always say they say the same shit over and over and over again drives me fucking nuts but I do that why would they say that I was easy does it take your time time takes time why did they say that stuff again and again and again fucking mantra what are you trying to remind themselves slow down give yourself some time you’re grateful give yourself some grace show yourself for forgiveness not ready for that self love shit I don’t even know what that looks likel…. I’ll worry about that when I get there before you know it you’ll be halfway there no you’ll be amazed before you’re halfway there … I can do halfway if I go all Lynn I can go halfway well that’s my addiction talk if I turn that shit around and give it half the effort maybe I should find somewhere knows about this shit……Please forgive me for going on a massive tangent there but that from what I remember was the way I sounded to myself all the time 11 1/2 years ago this fucking album saved my goddamn life and it’s still does. You might think we talk about this album amongst ourselves all the time I have never talked about this album with anyone addicted to drugs alcohol or anything it would be pointless they know exactly what it’s about Just like I know what it’s about just like how sometimes the shit that meant one thing one day means something different the next. The words never change but the message sure as hell can. Man makes plans and God laughs I’m agnostic by the way but that still means something to me. Anyway I’m gonna shut the fuck up after this. MJK does not get enough credit for this fucking album He is not an addict of any kind he’s around a lot of them might make for a good Al-Anon member. If you ever seen a perfect circle pool or Puscifer you’ve heard him say when I’m going to say and do it he tells you this all the time observe, interpret, and report that’s what he does and it’s your job to do the same make your own conclusion but you got to be there first you got to be present observe take what the messenger is sending you and interpret however you choose to interpret is your message now the pass on to the next person report What do you do next and do it all over again be good to each other stay well don’t get Covid Do you get the vaccination anyone comes across this can years from now like I did today say something from the future will be your voice in the past
I'm pretty sure this song is about watching someone struggling with an addiction that is potentially lethal, such as heroin or cocaine, and being completely frustrated with their lack of acknowledgment for the whole situation. He's trying to get their attention to show his disgust in them for throwing their life away for what's basically a poison. He's frustrated that they've gotten so wrapped up in the addiction, they've almost become someone else. The person is unintentionally suicidal, at some point he/she will overdose by accident, or the drug will just take it's toll on their body. The outsider's(singer/narrator) intolerance of the person who they are singing to's lifestyle. I think it's vague enough to be applied to a multitude of situations, but given the album's name is Thirteenth Step, I feel it's meaning for the band members has to do with the self destructive lifestyle of the addict.
I totally agree with you. I think you have the best response and that is exactly what I was thinking. I have an additional idea to add. I wanted to just twist it around by saying that I also think that this song could be from the addictive individual's point of view rather than a sober person looking at their addictive friend. The addict could be looking at themselves as an outsider, thinking that they do not recognize this monster they've become. Almost as though they are looking in the mirror: their reflection is their conscious and the body they're in is their destructive self. They know deep down (like their conscious) that they are being destructive and yet they continue to cause more harm to their mind, body and life. It is as if they are yelling at their own self trying to break free from this addictive behavior; like they are trying to scare it away. The conscious tries to convince the addict that if they continue on their destructive path, they will die sooner than later, which essentially defeats life's purpose. Sorry, this is all probably confusing, jumbled, long, and boring, but I immediately thought about this after listening to this song, so I had to get my ideas out.
@Machineunit I agree with daretoboggie I think u nailed it just that this is the actually addicts point of view of what others in their life as well as they're other half believe and are thinking. One of the main reasons is when it says pull the trigger far away from here that to me sounds like a personal/internal thought process not a friend or loved one of the addict but more how the addict gets an excuse to use and just leaves the family and friends all together to ultimately die
@Machineunit That is not the 13 step it’s not 13 stepping I’ve already answered this question I hope you come across this you guys are gonna learn a lot
you fuckin morons nothing to do with suicide, its about an outsider)) s point of view of watching a loved one caught up in addiction,
@slickvic Short, and to the point.
@slickvic No it’s not completely wrong try again
@slickvic No it’s not completely wrong try again
@slickvic I could agree with you, but in hindsight, your opinion shouldn't be valued anymore than anyone else's, a couple things, Some people here are trying to say it is about a related sibling or what have you, which i just don't see that point of view myself,<br /> <br /> perhaps a stranger that was befriended or even a help counselor, IMO, the line "They were right about you" gives way to that thought, kinda like this outsider had also had conversations with the subject's friend or family members to collect additional info so that the outsider could make his own path on how to tackle the situation, but ultimately in the end, the other sources were right by saying nothing is gonna change or work, <br /> <br /> but there is also the line "Craving fame" as if it were like a mass school murder situation, and some new kid at school befriended the subject because he was different, but the more he got to know this kid, the more he learned how deep and destroyed the subject was mentally, and the more the subject trusted the new acquaintance, the more he revealed his thoughts, which puts the new acquaintance in a tough situation, where maybe the line "They were right about you" is all the other school kids that warned the new kid about the subject
I think looking at it as someone who's strictly suicidal is taking the lyrics far too literally. Given that the title is "The Outsider" and the fact that the entire album is about addiction, I think that this song sticks with the theme. Most of the songs have been through the eyes of the addict, more or less, but this song is different, being from the point of view of "The Outsider" (someone who watching the addict from the outside).
This is a song of the frustration of watching someone you know self destruct, and, in the eyes of the outsider, acting selfishly and attention seeking by hurting themselves and others with their addictions. It can be incredibly frustrating for someone to watch a person basically killing themselves with their own selfishness, hence the "pounding at a fault line." He feels like he's done everything he can to help this person and he's reached the breaking point since they've done nothing but take it for granted, so this song is him throwing his hands into the air saying, "I give up, I'm done with you."
@Saiai absolutely I agree I thought that for years and I definitely can relate now. My sister has been addicted to heroin for about 5 years, and I literally just hit that point, where for my own sanity and mental health I have to separate myself from her completely and it's not easy, but I've been killing myself doing anything and everything to help her. I physically and emotionally can no longer choose to watch her kill herself.<br /> <br /> so I yes I think ur right the majority of the along album is from the addicts point of view, but this could be about a person close to the addict.
For the record, This song is about Maynards brother. He was a drug addict, and after getting clean a couple of times, and always going back to his old ways, he ended up in hospital and nearly died. I suppose maynard felt the same way about his brother as my folks do about me. They've given up because it's just too much heartache. They know it's gonna keep happening, and just don't want it near them.
The ONLY Piece of Anti-Drugs material EVER to get through to me! Made me feel like shit through and through, because he let me understand what I was doing to the people around me.
@WonderFace This is NOT true at all, and if it is - give a source. Maynard said that this song was inspired by a brother of an addict who didn't understand what his brother was going through.
Personally, I think this song is about watching friends destroy themselves with drugs - being the outsider.
I dont think its about someone claiming to be suicidal for attention is because:
Mainard isnt a teenager with faggy friends any more, I doubt forementioned attention whores play a part in his life any more.
"Why would I wanna watch you
Disconnect and self-destruct One bullet at a time"
Slowly destroying themselves, so not wannabe suicidal.
The reason I think this is about losing a friend to drugs (Heroin I would say) is that not only has Mainard made reference to it in other songs but:
"You've given in to all these Reckless dark desires"
Sank back into an addiction
"Suicidal imbecile"
"What'll it take to get it through to you precious"
It can very often be extremely hard to talk to someone with an addiction about it. He couldnt have worded it better, you simply cant get through to them.
"Disconnect and self-destruct"
Disconnect and self-destruct... Definitely sounds drug related.
"One bullet at a time"
A shot is a slang measure of a Heroin dose
"What's your rush now, Everyone will have his day to die"
Heroin kills, slowly but surely.
"Medicated"
Medicated/Drugged
"Narcissistic"
Heroin, and other drugs, can have the effect of making you feel EXTREMELY good.
"Why do you wanna throw it away like this"
"Lying through your teeth again"
Heroin eats through your teeth.
"If you choose to pull the trigger Should your drama prove sincere Do it somewhere far away from here"
If you choose to pull the trigger doesnt necessarily have to mean the trigger of a gun, just like "self destruct one bullet at a time" doesnt mean shoot yourself every couple of minutes. It can just as easily represent the syringe, and pulling the trigger injecting yourself ("Shooting up" is a popular term for taking heroin. Shooting up/pulling the trigger, see the relation?); theres no going back once you've pulled the trigger. "Should your drama prove sincere" could also be the drama AROUND you - the whole getting back into drugs ordeal. "Do it somewhere far away from here" Shoot up elsewhere - as said, he's the outsider, He's "over this" and he doesnt want to "watch you".
So yeah, I think this song is all about Heroin.
My thoughts EXACTLY! Word for word, props to you for writing it out. I am way too lazy.
Honestly, I think there is only one person that is ever going to know the correct meaning of this song. The title might give a clue though... "the outsider" Is it possible that this song is about somebody else's point of view, somebody who lacks empathy and understanding. I myself have never been suicidal, but I've spent a few years in the Army. I had a soldier that attempted to overdose. This soldier was confronted by his entire chain of command, and the last statement he heard from them was "You didn't want to kill yourself! If you did, you would have done it right!" So he did.
The outsider's point of view is limited to only what he can relate to. This song may not even be about suicide. It may just be about somebody living a destructive lifestyle, not caring about their own welfare. Now that you may be able to relate to and understand a little better, but that wouldn't put you in the shoes of the outsider if it did.
Great response and well put. not to mention that it's spot on to what MJK said about the song meaning before he played it acoustic style (see my post below)....<br /> <br /> on 3/23/2012:<br /> Maynard specifically explained the meaning of this song before they played it during a acoustic session - he said the following: "I had a friend who had some chemical problems. I ended up meeting his brother and his brother was so out of touch with what he was going through....so this song is kinda sung through the perspective of the brother who doesn't understand what his loved one is going through and in a way has no compassion for what he is going through...this song is called the outsider because that brother is standing on the outside of a understanding and doesn't get it. This song is from the perspective of someone who is ignorant and doesn't have the time or patience to understand what their loved one is going through."
what does this song mean to me? this song <b>is</b> me.
i believe that this song is about anyone destructive of their own self... and is to ignorant to realize it... song makes me think of some people i know...
I think that if this song is you then you should re-read the lyrics because you are saying that you are an over dramatic waste of time, who threatens suicide for attention
i think he was making a joke...
seems to be about a girl that is pretending to be suicidal for attention. And he is telling he that he is sick of her shit and doesn't want to be involved with her. "If you choose to pull the trigger Should your drama prove sincere Do it somewhere far away from here" -My 2 cents
why a female 0_o
just watched the vid... i see you point
female cause why would he call another guy precious? plus, its rare you see a guy doing suicidal shit for attention. Its always a girl, cause if a guys going to do it, hes gonna do it and no ones gonna know
I don't think it necessarily is only about someone who is suicidal, or pretending to be. I've watched a lot of people self destruct. Repeatedly choose to do things that wreck them. Alcoholism, abusive relationships, pushing people who care about them away. If you've seen people with such extreme self destructive tendencies, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. It's horrible to watch from the outside, and that's why I think that's what this song is about to Maynard. "Why would I want to watch you?" I feel you Maynard.
Maynard specifically explained the meaning of this song before they played it during a acoustic session - he said the following: "I had a friend who had some chemical problems. I ended up meeting his brother and his brother was so out of touch with what he was going through....so this song is kinda sung through the perspective of the brother who doesn't understand what his loved one is going through and in a way has no compassion for what he is going through...this song is called the outsider because that brother is standing on the outside of a understanding and doesn't get it. This song is from the perspective of someone who is ignorant and doesn't have the time or patience to understand what their loved one is going through."