I think this song can be taken as both about being on the short end of the stick in life[point 1] as well as about MCR's career/relationship [point 2].
"Some people watch, some people pray, but even lights can fade away. Some people hope, some people pay, but why'd we have to stay?"
[1]This is how everybody views things-optimistically or pessimistically. Nonetheless, we wonder why do these kind of things happen?
[2]This is how MCR views the fanbase. Some watch them and pay for their merch/abums/etc., and some pray that they stay a band.
"'Cause even heroes get the blues, or any misery you choose. You like to watch, we like to use, and we were born to lose."
[1]Even people you admire have problems, depression, addiction, etc. Others just watch idly, but the narrator manipulates life- and ends up failing.
[2]Referencing Gerard's depression/suicidal, Frank's health issues, and the other members' issues. The audience watches, and MCR gives them something to watch, but they still end up not selling records as well as their label would want, or maybe just physically they lose.
"I choose defeat. I walk away, and leave this place, the same today. Some like to sleep, we like to play. Just look at all that pain."
[1]The narrator gives up on life, through suicide or just simply leaving and starting over. Either way, they think life goes on. While the rest of the world goes on unactively, the narrator likes to try and have a little fun, and thinks the rest of the world is lamenting for not doing this too.
[2]MCR's retirement- the band thinks the industry will be fine and go on without them. Other artists would just hide from the public, the members keep up with their own projects. They either think this A-keeps hurting them, B-hurts the 'lazy' artists, or C-hurts the fans.
"You want the heart or to be saved, but even good guys still get paid. So watch my back and keep the blade, I think it got you laid."
[1]Everybody wants to believe the best of people, but the good ones are only being good for profit. They don't realize the heroes are in it for themselves. The narrator has (in my opinion) had someone backstab him and steal his lover but it didn't affect him, OR they were backstabbed in another way that still didn't upset him, but it resulted in the offender getting something he wanted.
[2]Fans are saved all the time by music and want lyrics to relate to, but artists just do this so they can get fame or money for it. MCR doesn't want their fans to end up hating them for this truth, and offer that they might have even gained from their music.
"So fake your death or eat your blame, and leave the lights on when you stay. Take off your clothes and dream that fame. Come on and feel that shame."
[1]Either give up and get lost, or man up and take the fall for what was caused and you can still be in the clear for hurting your pride. The next part may be saying that (as many people get infamous for flaunting their body, like models or other celebrities) and that you'l feel guilty but at least you'll be known! It could also mean to be 'naked', as in vulnerable, and to share your feelings in hopes of being noticed even if you feel terrible for it.
[2]MCR sort of faked their death- they announced the split then released the album. This leads to rumors of 'Are they together still or no?' and they might feel like they're getting hated for this, although they're still giving new content (in reference to keeping the place lit.) The lines about taking clothes off is probably about how their songs were VERY personal, and their most heartfelt music was always bestselling- and knowing that their inner thoughts could reach the person it was about was nerve-wracking.
"Just look at all that pain. Just gimme all that pain."
[1]Often times, especially with depression or self-harm, you'll sort of recover and then crave the sadness and pain again. The narrator is saying he wants just that.
[2]As stated earlier with the prolonged mental and even physical pain of continuing with other projects or MCR, the band wants it again just so they can perform.
---just my thoughts. sorry if anything was really confusing!---
I think this song can be taken as both about being on the short end of the stick in life[point 1] as well as about MCR's career/relationship [point 2]. "Some people watch, some people pray, but even lights can fade away. Some people hope, some people pay, but why'd we have to stay?" [1]This is how everybody views things-optimistically or pessimistically. Nonetheless, we wonder why do these kind of things happen? [2]This is how MCR views the fanbase. Some watch them and pay for their merch/abums/etc., and some pray that they stay a band.
"'Cause even heroes get the blues, or any misery you choose. You like to watch, we like to use, and we were born to lose." [1]Even people you admire have problems, depression, addiction, etc. Others just watch idly, but the narrator manipulates life- and ends up failing. [2]Referencing Gerard's depression/suicidal, Frank's health issues, and the other members' issues. The audience watches, and MCR gives them something to watch, but they still end up not selling records as well as their label would want, or maybe just physically they lose.
"I choose defeat. I walk away, and leave this place, the same today. Some like to sleep, we like to play. Just look at all that pain." [1]The narrator gives up on life, through suicide or just simply leaving and starting over. Either way, they think life goes on. While the rest of the world goes on unactively, the narrator likes to try and have a little fun, and thinks the rest of the world is lamenting for not doing this too. [2]MCR's retirement- the band thinks the industry will be fine and go on without them. Other artists would just hide from the public, the members keep up with their own projects. They either think this A-keeps hurting them, B-hurts the 'lazy' artists, or C-hurts the fans.
"You want the heart or to be saved, but even good guys still get paid. So watch my back and keep the blade, I think it got you laid." [1]Everybody wants to believe the best of people, but the good ones are only being good for profit. They don't realize the heroes are in it for themselves. The narrator has (in my opinion) had someone backstab him and steal his lover but it didn't affect him, OR they were backstabbed in another way that still didn't upset him, but it resulted in the offender getting something he wanted. [2]Fans are saved all the time by music and want lyrics to relate to, but artists just do this so they can get fame or money for it. MCR doesn't want their fans to end up hating them for this truth, and offer that they might have even gained from their music. "So fake your death or eat your blame, and leave the lights on when you stay. Take off your clothes and dream that fame. Come on and feel that shame." [1]Either give up and get lost, or man up and take the fall for what was caused and you can still be in the clear for hurting your pride. The next part may be saying that (as many people get infamous for flaunting their body, like models or other celebrities) and that you'l feel guilty but at least you'll be known! It could also mean to be 'naked', as in vulnerable, and to share your feelings in hopes of being noticed even if you feel terrible for it. [2]MCR sort of faked their death- they announced the split then released the album. This leads to rumors of 'Are they together still or no?' and they might feel like they're getting hated for this, although they're still giving new content (in reference to keeping the place lit.) The lines about taking clothes off is probably about how their songs were VERY personal, and their most heartfelt music was always bestselling- and knowing that their inner thoughts could reach the person it was about was nerve-wracking.
"Just look at all that pain. Just gimme all that pain." [1]Often times, especially with depression or self-harm, you'll sort of recover and then crave the sadness and pain again. The narrator is saying he wants just that. [2]As stated earlier with the prolonged mental and even physical pain of continuing with other projects or MCR, the band wants it again just so they can perform.
---just my thoughts. sorry if anything was really confusing!---