Positively 4th Street

I don't know if anyone else sees it this way, because I am too tired and lazy to read through the comments, but I always heard this song as a conversation between two people. Maybe it's because I'm in a similar situation with my family.

Okay I know people hate lyric-for-lyric interpretations but I feel like I have to spell it out (WARNING: THIS IS LOOOOONG)

"You got a lotta nerve To say you are my friend When I was down You just stood there grinning

You got a lotta nerve To say you gota helping hand to lend You just want to be on The side that's winning"

These two verses are from the same person, the protagonist, (or antagonist depending on your experiences). Before I go on I have to say I love my sister and brother in law, but sometimes they just really, REALLY piss me off (as I'm sure I do them). This relates to them acting all helpful and friendly, like they give a damn about "when I'm down," when really they just care about public appearances, "the side that's winning." That's harsh, but...I feel like it's true. Not all the time, but sometimes.

"You say I let you down You know it's not like that If you're so hurt Why then don't you show it

You say you lost your faith But that's not where it's at You had no faith to lose And you know it"

This is from their point of view. Just to show I understand it. I can be a bitch, lol, and sometimes when I get mad I say things I don't mean and start blaming people for my problems like saying they "let me down." But what they don't get is that I actually am hurting. I've been depressed for years. I don't really know "how to show it" that doesn't involve actually cutting my wrists. I think that's why some people do it. Yeah, it's really stupid, selfish, and disrespectful to those who do it for real, but I can understand why someone might do it for attention. The faith part relates to...well, faith.

"I know the reason That you talk behind my back I used to be among the crowd You're in with"

This is from "my" point of view. Relating to family functions, ones I don't attend (which seem to be a lot lately) and phone calls to the relatives...all gossiping about me and swapping advice on how to fix the bad daughter who doesn't go to school. I feel like I can't face any of them because they all know my business. This damn family is like a small town, all your problems just spread like wildfire and you can't look anyone in the eyes without getting the "I'm disappointed in you" and "you had so much potential" look.

"Do you take me for such a fool To think I'd make contact With the one who tries to hide What he don't know to begin with?"

From their POV. I've complained about them not speaking to me, and honestly I don't blame them because like the song says, I "hide." It takes two people to mend a relationship, and I can't just dump all the work on them...I have to face my fears and their judgements and just work it out. I know they love me, and I love them, why the fuck can't we get along??

"You see me on the street You always act surprised You say, "How are you?" "Good luck" But you don't mean it

When you know as well as me You'd rather see me paralyzed Why don't you just come out once And scream it"

Back to the bitter...This is me again. Relating to whenever I see a family member in passing. The "how are you's" and "good luck with school" when they know damn well how I am. They're just rubbing it in my face that I'm going to be twenty years old when I graduate and I'll never go to college like my perfect cousins. The second verse relates to specifically my brother in law and sister, who have at times actually told me they can't look at me, they're so disgusted by my behavior. I am according to them a manipulative, selfish, lazy apathetic bitch. But we all get over those fights so don't get the idea that we verbally abuse each other ALL the time...just MOST of the time. Anyways, in public, they're all smiles, but I just freaking know they'd rather not be in the same room as me.

"No, I do not feel that good When I see the heartbreaks you embrace If I was a master thief Perhaps I'd rob them

And now I know you're dissatisfied With your position and your place Don't you understand It's not my problem"

This is from their perspective. I know how frustrating it must be for them, and my mother. I think this is them saying, yeah, they understand I have problems, and I'm screwed up, but they don't know how to help. "If I was a master thief, perhaps I'd rob them." They just can't take the pain away because only I can do that for myself. It's like an addict, only the addict can save themselves (with help), they have to WANT to get better. In a more sarcastic sense, they've got enough stress in their lives to deal with my petty crap. "Not my problem bitch, suck it up."

"I wish that for just one time You could stand inside my shoes And just for that one moment I could be you"

And this, the final words that accompany all arguments between people who don't understand each other, said by both parties. And they're both right. There is no antagonist or protagonist. Just fucking misunderstanding when there should be acceptance.