Can't make my own decisions
Or make any with precision
Well, maybe you should tie me up
So I don't go where you don't want me

You say that I've been changing
That I'm not just simply ageing
Yeah, how could that be logical?
Just keep on cramming ideas down my throat

Woah
You don't have to believe me
But the way I, way I see it
Next time you point a finger
I might have to bend it back
And break it, break it off
Next time you point a finger
I'll point you to the mirror

If God's the game that you're playing
Well, we must get more acquainted
Because it has to be so lonely
To be the only one who's holy

It's just my humble opinion
But it's one that I believe in
You don't deserve a point of view
If the only thing you see is you

Woah
You don't have to believe me
But the way I, way I see it
Next time you point a finger
I might have to bend it back
And break it, break it off
Next time you point a finger
I'll point you to the mirror

This is the last second chance
(I'll point you to the mirror)
I'm half as good as it gets
(I'll point you to the mirror)
I'm on both sides of the fence
(I'll point you to the mirror)
Without a hint of regret
I'll hold you to it

I know you don't believe me
But the way I, way I see it
Next time you point a finger
I might have to bend it back
Or break it, break it off
Next time you point a finger
I'll point you to the mirror

I know you won't believe me
But the way I, way I see it
Next time you point a finger
I might have to bend it back
And break it, break it off
Next time you point a finger
I'll point you to the mirror


Lyrics submitted by MashyPoo, edited by shikofan

Playing God Lyrics as written by Joshua Neil Farro Hayley Nichole Williams

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Playing God song meanings
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67 Comments

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  • +5
    General Comment

    The lyrics are legit, but I think these are only a few lines. The song is pretty long so I'm not sure if there are parts missing.

    This song is about a band member that Hayley has declined to name (for obvious reasons) but in my opinion I think she's talking about Josh here.

    Like people have mentioned already, the lyrics are very self-explanatory. Hayley feels pressured by this band mate because she's changed and he doesn't like the change - "You say that I been changing, that I'm not just simply aging". He's probably been judging her - "next time you point a finger" - and making her feel bad about herself - "just keep on cramming ideas down my throat". So this is her retaliation to him, and the song is called "Playing God" because he thinks he's above her and he is more 'holy' - "It must be so lonely... to be the only one who's holy" - while she - "It's just my humble opinion, but one I firmly believe in" - believes that he is far from godly.

    The reason why I believe this is Josh is because I know that he's been saying that Chad Gilbert has 'changed' Hayley. If thats not enough proof of who this song is about, I don't know what is. Also, from what I've seen (not that they all aren't good good friends, but) Taylor and Jeremy are much more chummy with Hayley than Josh and Zac are.

    I think this whole album will be good for the whole band (even though Taylor probably has no part, or little part, in the other four's fighting since he hasn't been with them as far back as AWKIF). They need to work out their issues and an album is a perfect way to do so.

    ParamoreIsABandon August 25, 2009   Link
  • +3
    General Comment

    this song pretty much means what it says. there isnt much symbolism in it. i love the line "you dont deserve a point of view if the only thing you see is you" because thats is very true about most selfish people

    shinyninetaleson June 30, 2009   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    Hayley says " The song is about self righteous people who are judgemental and throw all of their bad reflections of themselves on you to sort of blame you to make themselves feel better " In the making of the "Playing God" music video . The mentions of God in my opinon in this video , isnt the religous God sense . I think they mean that the person acts like their better than everyone , and as if their perfect , which only God is .

    Onnaon December 05, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    IAWTC ^

    MashyPooon June 02, 2009   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation

    To me, this song has to do with someone, perhaps a friend, who acts critically of you and your opinions, and points fingers at you for it. Then does the same thing and considers it alright. Sort of like a "Holier than thou" complex.

    "Because it has to be so lonely To be the only one who's holy"

    "Next time you point a finger I might have to bend it back Or break it, break it off Next time you point a finger I'll point you to the mirror"

    This part I think describes that you've taken a lot of beating because of it, and done nothing about it. But you're now fed up with it and intend to end it by "pointing the persons finger to the mirror". Aka, making them take a good look in the mirror and realize they're not as holy as they think they are.

    Just my two cents.

    PostImaginationon December 26, 2009   Link
  • +1
    Song Meaning

    Quote directly from Josh Farro on his blog...

    "Listening to playing god makes me mad because the lyrics are so hurtful and unnecessary."

    joshnfarro.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-post.html

    So, it's about Josh.

    SportsByDallason December 27, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    You all see? its about Josh! Hayley said that in the mtv Paramore Last word interview

    Vickyyon January 07, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Specifically it seems to address a tendency on the part of people who identify as religious to use their religion to justify their own opinions and actions - in extreme cases, "It's what God would want" (meaning "It's what I want") or "The Bible/Torah/Koran says so" (meaning "That's how I interpret it").

    I'm not saying for definite one way or the other, but it does seem like a very pointed swipe at an ex-partner who used religion to try to get their own way.

    turricanedon January 18, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Love this song, love the lyrics.

    I can't wait to hear it on the album!

    NamesInBloodon May 20, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    nice! seems like they really worked on this album lyrically. record now pleasseeee!

    SUPERGINGEon June 10, 2009   Link

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