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.
All night long, ghosts with snakes
Stare at the ceiling as if there was somebody there
I start to wonder
What's he do when I'm not there
'Cause I've been calling,
But I stopped hearing from my friends
Did you think I'd forget?
Twist my words every time
Lie all along and you know I won't know it's a lie
And I remember what you said when I was there
It never happened like the way you said it did
Did you think I'd forget?
Whoa oh oh oh oh...
I thought I saw you
Outside my window last night
It's lucky for you
A shadow fled from the flashlight
I'll have to wonder how you look without your teeth
The hollow smile
You keep your tongue inside your cheek
I never loved you
I never trusted you at all
The stars above you
Are shining down upon us all
I hope you never forget
Stare at the ceiling as if there was somebody there
I start to wonder
What's he do when I'm not there
'Cause I've been calling,
But I stopped hearing from my friends
Did you think I'd forget?
Twist my words every time
Lie all along and you know I won't know it's a lie
And I remember what you said when I was there
It never happened like the way you said it did
Did you think I'd forget?
Whoa oh oh oh oh...
I thought I saw you
Outside my window last night
It's lucky for you
A shadow fled from the flashlight
I'll have to wonder how you look without your teeth
The hollow smile
You keep your tongue inside your cheek
I never loved you
I never trusted you at all
The stars above you
Are shining down upon us all
I hope you never forget
Lyrics submitted by DannySilentMotion
When I'm Not There Lyrics as written by Christopher Andrew Carrabba
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Christ, this is angry. By the end, it sounds like the world is ending.
I think it's "What you do" not "what's he do"
It may be, but that's still no need to misuse the name of Christ.
Very angry.. this whole cd seems to be about a breakup (shocker i know)... but he goes through stages where hes angry and wants to commit suicide or regretful he didnt do something else or finally comes to terms (bye bye baby)
and just to piss Matthew off...
JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!
this whole album is about a break-up dealy. chris is in the middle of a 3 album process that is supposed to deal with a central character reflecting inwards upon himself and dealing with heartbreak/loss etc. the trilogy began with "sound the alarm," continued onto "under the boards" and will end with the next album. personally, i think its stupid, seeing how ALL of his songs and albums are about this same topic. why write a trilogy to explore the same idea you've been exploring since your very first set of demos.
also, shutup matthew.
UH, JESUS CHRIST. this song is fuckin bomb;
i love how this song starts out.
i also dislike the misuse of Christ.
thanks.