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.
Joey, baby - don't get crazy
Detours, fences, I get defensive
I know you've heard it all before
So I don't say it anymore
I just stand by and let you
Fight your secret war
And though I used to wonder why
I used to cry till I was dry
Still sometimes I get a strange pain inside
Oh, Joey, if you're hurting so am I
Joey, honey, I got some money
All is forgiven. Listen, listen
But if I seem to be confused
I didn't mean to be with you
And when you said I scared you
Well I guess you scared me too
But we got lucky once before
And I don't want to close the door
And if you're somewhere out there
Passed out on the floor
Oh Joey, I'm not angry anymore
And if I seem to be confused
I didn't mean to be with you
And when you said I scared you
Well I guess you scared me too
But if it's love you're looking for
Then I can give a little more
And if you're somewhere drunk and
Passed out on the floor
Oh Joey, I'm not angry anymore
Angry anymore, angry anymore
Detours, fences, I get defensive
I know you've heard it all before
So I don't say it anymore
I just stand by and let you
Fight your secret war
And though I used to wonder why
I used to cry till I was dry
Still sometimes I get a strange pain inside
Oh, Joey, if you're hurting so am I
Joey, honey, I got some money
All is forgiven. Listen, listen
But if I seem to be confused
I didn't mean to be with you
And when you said I scared you
Well I guess you scared me too
But we got lucky once before
And I don't want to close the door
And if you're somewhere out there
Passed out on the floor
Oh Joey, I'm not angry anymore
And if I seem to be confused
I didn't mean to be with you
And when you said I scared you
Well I guess you scared me too
But if it's love you're looking for
Then I can give a little more
And if you're somewhere drunk and
Passed out on the floor
Oh Joey, I'm not angry anymore
Angry anymore, angry anymore
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
I never understood this song until now. I understand because I've been dating an alcoholic for over a year and a half. The song speaks to me from beginning to the end. Joey is an alcoholic and in this song, she is in love with him and is willing to take all the blame and do whatever it takes to get him back after having the two have separated due to a falling out. She might or might not realize that because she's an enabler and co dependent because she's willing to keep him in her life no matter what. She doesn't even try to talk him into quitting drinking or seeking help anymore (she's tried before) because she's afraid of pushing him away. So, she remains silent as she watches him hurt himself. He can't keep a job or he can't hold onto any money because he spends it all on booze. they're always in a hole and she wants to draw him back by telling him that she'll take care of the money situation..I do that. She just wants to make him happy and secure. the truth is that no one will ever be able to make him happy. It hurts her to see him suffer this way because he's killing himself. She is willing to take the burden, the blame, and love him unconditionally for his love. It's a really sad love song. A love I wouldn't wish upon anyone. :-(
There's help for people who love alcoholics! Have you tried going to Al-Anon? I know that it's helped SOOOO many people (that I personally know).....You don't have to suffer alone!
Turtlefreak, that's an interesting take. However, I think it is about a man and a woman who can't seem to make their relationship work because they've both been hurt in the past. The song takes place after a recent fight where they ended their relationship, and she's had a little time to think about what she's losing and doens't want to lose him.
"Detours, fences...i get defensive"...she is afraid to get her, so she backs off the relationship at times. He's been hurt in the past too, and still hasn't resolved all his issues."I know you've heard it all before, so I don't say it anymore I just stand by and let you fight your secret war" is about him not letting go of his past which is keeping him from a future with her.
"But if I seem to be confused, I didn't mean to be with you And when you said I scared you Well I guess you scared me too"...both of them scare each other off because of their pasts. "But we got lucky once before, And I don't want to close the door" meaning that they have meshed together well at times, and she doesn't want it to be over. I think the whole reference to the drunk and passed out thing is just an indicator that it was a recent fight, and he's probably out drinking his sorrows away.
"But if it's love you're looking for then I can give a little more And if you're somewhere drunk and passed out on the floor Oh Joey, I'm not angry anymore"...she's saying that if he wants to be involved with her, she wants him too, and will give more of herself to make it work. She got angry and said some things she didn't mean, and I'm sure he did too...she knows it was a mistake and wants to work it out, and hopes he does too.
At least, that's my thoughts on it...and I could well be wrong.
you said it like a pro mate
I completely agree with this analysis of the song. I have gone through this exact same thing although I was the one out drinking my sorrows away and messed up a relationship with a wonderful guy. I just didn't see what I had right in front of me.
@jlbrpt You hit the the nail right on the head. Now give Rebecca her turtle back.
@jlbrpt, You're right on.
This is about loving an alcoholic inspite of the fact that you know that you can't save/help them...you can talk/cry/scream but it's futile. "i just stand by and watch you fight your secret war"..she knows he's beyond her help but she still loves him. (sigh i can relate)
Anyone who has ever been in a relationship with someone who has a drinking problem knows exactly what this song is about. I've spent many nights listening to this song on repeat. Even today I can't hear it without reliving the helpless heartache that comes with loving someone who doesn't love themselves enough to quit. I'll always love you, JB. Wherever you may be, I hope you're okay, and know that I'm not angry anymore.
this song is more about being in love with someone who has a drinking problem ("I just stand by and let you fight your secret war"). Think about if you had a loved one who has a drinking or drug problem and then look at the lyrics again.
"And when you said I scared you Well I guess you scared me too But if it's love you're looking for then I can give a little more And if you're somewhere drunk and passed out on the floor "
It's a song I sing to one of my friends when ever I see her. the whole bit about "if you're hurting so am I" kind of sums up our relationship
i only read the first two postings...yeah, maybe his flaw is drinking, but i have just got back from a war zone...and i think the war inside is just the crap he cant talk to her about...thats why she still loves him even though he's a jerk...thats why she can forgive him BECAUSE ITS NOT ABOUT HER
This song is most definitely about an alcoholic. The music video shows frequent scenes of a man staring at a bottle, struggling not to drink it. If anyone wants to see it, I found the video on iTunes.
And no, I'm not selling anything. I'm just a fan of the song (and someone who can personally relate to it) who was surprised to find t a video for this song and, I wanted to tell others who love this song where they can see it.
The line about him being out there somewhere passed out on the floor and her wanting to tell him she's not angry anymore is so damn powerful and sad.
Beautiful song.
This song is someone who has lost a battle with themselves. Whether is be through alcohol as the lyrics suggest, or perhaps its drug related. This person cannot be helped either. They just let themselves swim in self pity. By doing so they are not letting the ones that love them in.
Also, I think the concept of 'money ... money' etc denotes that this loved one is willing to do whatever it takes to help this person, despite how much bad they have done in their life. Whatever situation they are in their loved one is going to be their to bail them out.
Lovely.yet.sad.song.
I have to say I agree most closely with jlbrpt. However, as a songwriter myself, I have to point out that the goal for most any lyricist is to be able to write something beautiful while still being vague enough in the meaning it had for the songwriter so that a greater cross section of listeners can relate to it. Often times an artist didn't even write a song and gets asked what its about - well how the heck do they know? Example...Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" became a smash hit after being in the movie UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL. Of course its assumed to be a love song. It was actually written by none other than songwriter Diane Warren about her father. Not exactly the same kind of love that most listeners take it to mean. Ultimately it doesn't matter what its about it just matters what situations it fits. I'm going through a situation with the guy I'm dating who is confused about his sexuality...admits he loves me and wants to make things work...but its still complicated for him (and obviously for me). Without giving out personal details of our relationship I will say that there is a scary parallel between what has happened recently and the lyrics of "Joey" - obviously it wasn't written for my situation...but it still fits.