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Nemeses Lyrics

It's an amazing smile
Even the suit has teeth
Everything flash and guile
With nothing underneath
Except a small black heart that no one sees but me
I've been watching
I can see you start to wonder

Could it be that you need me
To keep you out, to run you faster?
Promise me you'll let me be the one
The worst of all your enemies
Pretending you're a friend to me
Say that we'll be nemeses

Being a brilliant man
Going to great expense
Devising a master plan
It doesn't make much sense
Unless you find the one you're destined to destroy
Now that you're here
I don't seem that crazy do I?

Could it be that you need me
To keep you out, to run you faster?
Promise me you'll let me be the one
The worst of all your enemies
Pretending you're a friend to me
Say that we'll be nemeses

Ah yes
My old friend
You are a master of this game
A hidden blade
When you pretend
That you don't even know my name
Well played

Sometimes it's hard to tell
If you even notice me
Maybe it's just as well
It's better you don't see the way
I'm running just to keep your back in view
In your shadow
Waiting for the perfect moment

Could it be that you need me
To keep you out, to run you faster?
Promise me you'll let me be the one
The worst of all your enemies
Pretending you're a friend to me
Say that we'll be nemeses
Song Info
Submitted by
colonelclaypool_00 On Nov 25, 2011
2 Meanings

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Cover art for Nemeses lyrics by Jonathan Coulton

This seems to be sung from the perspective of a man who has an unhealthy obsession with being somebody's "nemesis." Though, in reality, the person this man is "nemeses" with actually has no idea.

The first stanza implies that the singer possibly knows/knew the object of their hatred, and is convinced that they're hiding a much darker personality than they seem to project. "I can see you start to wonder" is likely just a hopeful observation, though it's perhaps their nemesis has begun to suspect -something-.

The chorus is basically a summary of the singer's desire to be nemeses with this other person, obviously idealized in a manner that reminds me of the "Guild of Calamitous Intent," in The Venture Bros.

The second stanza implies that the singer has developed a "plan" to bring about the downfall of their nemesis...without actually having had one to begin with. Now that they've found the perfect person to hate, they feel that this grand plan is justified. They're definitely painting a crazier picture of themselves, romanticizing the concept of an enemy as if they're in some kind of superhero comic.

The third stanza tell us that the singer's nemesis does not, in fact, know the singer very well at all. The singer misinterprets this as a calculated move on their part.

And the fourth and final stanza exposes the singer's uncertainty about whether this other person is actually aware of the situation. However, the singer takes this in stride, content to "keep [their] back in view" until the perfect move against them can be made.

Were I to predict the singer's future, I'd feel it's safe to say that they'll never do anything until one of them dies. If their "nemesis" dies first, the singer will likely take credit for that somehow and live the rest of their life in smug satisfaction.

My Interpretation

such as devious, doable, dubious perception, luv it:)

Cover art for Nemeses lyrics by Jonathan Coulton

I've always interpreted this one as the Joker singing to Batman.

My Interpretation
 
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