Sell Yourself
Unveiling the Battle Within: Cage the Elephant's 'Sell Yourself' Meaning
Lyrics
Well I tried to paint my mind
Expressing an attempt to understand and convey thoughts or emotions.
But now I'm stuck here in the middle
Feeling stuck or trapped in a situation, possibly mentally or emotionally.
Got this scalpel in my hand
Metaphorically holding a scalpel, suggesting a desire to solve a complex problem or mystery.
I'm operating on this riddle
Engaged in deciphering or solving a puzzle or enigma.
Got my tongue on tight-knot
Being cautious with speech, perhaps due to the sensitive nature of the subject.
On my forehead placed a label
Having a visible label on the forehead, possibly feeling defined or judged by others.
Took all my inspiration
Lost inspiration, potentially influenced by someone significant (mentioned in line 8).
Cause your name was on the table
Implying that someone's name or presence has affected the speaker's creative process.
Let's talk about me
Discussing a self-centered conversation, knowing the listener's intentions, and highlighting the influence of money.
Let's talk about you
-I know your type
-I know exactly what you wanna do
-And if the money's right
-You think I'd disagree?
-So sad to see you torn apart
Expressing sadness witnessing the listener's negative qualities, particularly selfish greed.
By all your selfish greed
-And sell yourself
Encouraging the listener to sell themselves, warning against foolishness, and emphasizing the need for others to buy into their persona.
Don't be a fool
-Sell yourself
-They need to buy you
-Sell yourself
-Don't be a fool
-Sell yourself
-Sell yourself
-All my memory shard becomes dirty little pieces
Describing a fragmented memory tainted by negative experiences and anticipating a transformation for mass appeal.
Choking on your cancer, waitin' on to new releases
-No more need to operate
-You are ready for the masses
-Nothing more to give you
-You are ready for the masses
-Let's talk about me
Repeating the theme of self-centeredness, money's influence, and the destructive nature of selfish greed.
Let's talk about you
-I know your type
-I know exactly what you wanna do
-And if the money's right
-You think I'd disagree?
-So sad to see you torn apart
-By all your selfish greed
-And sell yourself
Reiterating the call to sell oneself, warning against foolishness, and emphasizing the need for others to buy into their persona.
Don't be a fool
-Sell yourself
-They need to buy you
-Sell yourself
-Don't be a fool
-Sell yourself
-Sell yourself
-Sell yourself
Continuing the repetition of the call to sell oneself, emphasizing its importance.
Sell yourself
-Sell yourself
-Sell yourself
Concluding the song with a final plea to sell oneself and cautioning against foolishness.
Don't be a fool
-Sell yourself
-They need to buy you
-Sell yourself
-Don't be a fool
-Sell yourself
-Sell yourself
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