Identity
Trading Dreams for a New Identity: Joseph Bones' Reflections
Lyrics
I might live someone else's dream
I might be living a life that belongs to someone else's aspirations.
But that grass is green
The situation appears attractive ("grass is green") on the other side.
Across the street
This attractiveness is observed from a distance or in a different context ("across the street").
And I might be younger than I seem
Despite appearing young, I may have experienced challenging times.
But times are lean and I got mean
Financial difficulties have made me tough or aggressive ("got mean").
Imitating men on the TV screen
I've imitated men I've seen on TV screens, possibly shaping my behavior based on media influences.
I spent every single dollar and cent
I've spent all my money without significant impact.
It didn't even make a dent
Financial spending did not make a substantial difference in my life.
I didn't know I'd end up this empty
I didn't anticipate ending up feeling so empty.
Yeah that's why
This explains why.
I traded in all of my time
I've exchanged all my time for something.
Living off of little white lies
I've been living based on small lies.
I guess I hoped that I'd just get lucky
Hope for luck was a motivation for my choices.
But God gives God takes
Mentioning the duality of receiving and losing in life ("God gives, God takes").
I think it's time He takes away the old me
It's time for a change in my life, shedding the old version of myself.
For new identity
Seeking a new identity.
I might be someone's favorite thing
I might be someone's favorite thing, but not my own.
But someone's not me
The speaker is not their own favorite due to experiences.
Because of what I've seen
These experiences have shaped their perspective.
And I might be ready to receive
Despite being prepared to accept something new, time is a hindrance.
But time's a thief and I got grief just
Time has caused sorrow while waiting for change.
Waiting on time to intervene
Expecting time to bring positive change.
I spent every single dollar and cent
Similar to lines 7-8, reiterating financial struggles.
It didn't even make a dent
Reiterating the lack of impact from financial spending.
I didn't know I'd end up this empty
Reiterating the feeling of emptiness from unforeseen circumstances.
Yeah that's why
Reiterating the need for change due to past choices.
I traded in all of my time
Repeating the theme of trading time for something.
Living off of little white lies
Repeating the theme of living based on small lies.
I guess I hoped that I'd just get lucky
Reiterating the reliance on luck in life choices.
But God gives God takes
Repeating the idea of the dual nature of life's experiences ("God gives, God takes").
I think it's time He takes away the old me
Reiterating the need for a change in identity.
For new identity
Reiterating the desire for a new identity.
Father help me
A plea for assistance from a paternal figure or a higher power.
Father help me
Repetition of the plea for help.
God intervene
An appeal for divine intervention.
God intervene
Repetition of the appeal for divine intervention.
I might love someone else's dream
Similar to lines 2 and 38, emphasizing contentment with one's own situation.
But my grass is green
Reiterating the theme of being satisfied with one's own circumstances.
From what I can see
Expressing contentment with what is visible from their perspective.
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