The Original

This song is about a girl that had a profound effect on him because of her unique ability to be her true Self and not be or act like anyone else. He adores this about her and tries to do the same. Ironically, the solution to his 'not being himself' is to be more like someone else: "I aim to be more like you." He can't change who he is: always trying to be something he's not.

The ghost in the first verse refers to his true Self who's locked inside him (in his "house"). This Self is trying to get out: "rattling handles on every door." He wants her to show him how to let this side of himself out: "show us an open window or two" (open my eyes, perhaps?). "Us" refers to both his external Self and internal Self. The metaphor of his body = house is continued in the chorus: "doors were starting to close" (should be "were" not "are") and "you're a skeleton key opening me."

The chorus also introduces a flower metaphor that sets up the second verse: girl = flower. It primarily ties into the main theme of originality, but I think it also refers to sex. The sex part of the flower metaphor says it was almost too late (doors were closing, about to lock his Self inside for good), but she saved him by having sex with him: "drew a rose." It's during sex that he becomes his true Self. Here's the originality part: When flowers reproduce, their offspring are genetically unique, allowing for adaptation to a new environment if necessary (thanks wikipedia). Hence "the flowers of adaptation": this girl stands out from the millions of other girls. The unique flowers (the girl) unfold (during sex) and this sounds the alarm/rings the bell (door bell? - house metaphor) telling him that she is special, she's the one. She's always been the one and always will be. The originality theme continues with stripes (each tiger has unique stripes) and rare birds (though I'm not sure what 'bow ideal' means). Maybe a nature theme is hidden in there: flowers/tigers/birds/sex.

Also, the drums in the intro are the sound of his inner Self knocking to get out. And the 'build-up' at the bridge ("always were and always will be") sounds very much like the climax of sex, after which, his ghost/true Self comes screaming out.

I only go where I'm wanted you go only where you want I aim to be more like you.

There is a ghost in my house rattling handles on every door Show us an open window or two. Would you?

Doors are starting to close and you drew a rose my, my your mind it is original. Yeah, you're a skeleton key opening me my, my your mind it is original. Girl, you're the Original. Always were and always will be.

The flowers of adaptation unfold and lovingly alarm. You effortlessly ring that bell. Your stripes are yours and yours only the beau ideal of rare birds and now I am under your spell. Under your spell.

Doors are starting to close and you drew a rose my, my your mind it is original. Yeah, you're a skeleton key opening me my, my your mind it is original. Girl, you're the Original. Always were and always will be.

Doors are starting to close and you drew a rose my, my your mind it is original. Yeah, you're a skeleton key opening me my, my your mind it is original. Girl, you're the Original. Always were and always will be.

I was hoping someone would correct these lyrics cause the chorus sounds so strange to me...

It is definetely a love song, maybe to a girl he loves more mentally than physically...

But I just need to say I love the way the song builds up in the end, it gives me a feeling that "not everything is ok" or that maybe he is afraid of how much control she has over him and what that could do. But that's just a feeling. ;)

I love the intro to this song.. I love the verses.. Lyrics are a bit soft in the chorus but i still like it.. I love the build up to the breakdown.. ..but then that breakdown came and i thought i was listening to a goddamn christmas CD! am i the only one who thinks it sounds like a christmas song at the end?... perhaps im crazy, im willing to explore that idea...

I think this is about a girl that "he" fell in love with, who just completely blew his mind. This girl just goes against the flow, has this carefree, "original" attitude, who makes her own way in the world, unlike the most of us who struggles hard to blend in and be "normal".

To me it seems like this is a sarcastic description about a woman who is SO simple and see through. seems like she screws up a lot and tries to better the situation by giving him Roses. She has Skeletons in her closet and He knows exactly what they are but she still hides them. Hes only in it for the physical relationship, and he knows it isnt going to last but hes just enjoying the ride.

"Under your spell Oh under your spell." Seems like hes explaining to us that she thinks that she has him fooled but hes just playing it off just for the sex.

I agree with Quilaidm that this song gives you a certain feeling especially towards the end with the hard drums playing over Brandon singing.

What an awsome fucking song!!!!!!!