The song portrays a deep inner conflict about identity, morality, and the fight to maintain one’s true self. It’s a raw, introspective piece, reflecting on personal battles and the desire to not “fall away” from one’s core values and beliefs. The songwriter, Tyler Joseph, encapsulates the feeling of being on the edge, teetering between who he is and who he fears he might become.
The message is clear: it’s a struggle against self-deception and dishonesty, both to oneself and others. It’s about the journey of self-awareness and the fight to stay true in a world that constantly challenges our integrity.
“Fall Away” is a journey through the mind of someone grappling with their inner demons and the fear of losing their true self. We’re about to dissect this powerful piece. Stay tuned.
“Fall Away” Lyrics Meaning
“I don’t wanna fall, fall away.” This sets the stage for a narrative about fighting against the gravitational pull of one’s darker side.
“I disguise / And I will lie / And I will take my precious time.” These lines speak volumes about the struggle to mask one’s true feelings and the lies we tell ourselves to cope with our fears and insecurities. The idea of taking “precious time” could imply a reluctance to face reality or a need to come to terms with one’s own truth slowly.
The chorus reiterates the central theme of not wanting to “fall away,” highlighting a persistent fear of moral and psychological decline. The act of keeping “the lights on in this place” is metaphorical, representing a desire to stay aware and vigilant against the encroaching darkness of self-doubt and loss of identity.
The verse, “Every time I feel selfish ambition / Is taking my vision / And my crime is my sentence” delves deeper into the internal conflict. It suggests a recognition of personal faults, like selfishness, and the consequences they bring. There’s a sense of being trapped by one’s own actions (“my crime is my sentence”), indicating a cycle of guilt and repentance.
“Repentance is taking commission” could mean that the act of seeking forgiveness has become a repetitive, almost business-like transaction, losing its sincerity. The struggle between maintaining one’s facade (“I will save face / For name’s sake”) and the yearning for a new start (“Take aim to obtain a new name / And a newer place”) reflects the conflict between societal expectations and personal desire for change.
Toward the end of the song, the repetition of “I don’t wanna fall, fall away” becomes more desperate, echoing the ongoing battle to stay true to oneself. The phrase “my name became / A new destiny to the grave” suggests resignation to fate, yet there’s still a lingering hope to avoid this destined downfall.
The Story Behind “Fall Away”
Tyler Joseph, the lead vocalist and songwriter for twenty one pilots, is known for his candid lyrics. In this song, he explores themes of identity, integrity, and the human tendency to hide behind facades. The raw emotion in the lyrics suggests a dive into his psyche, examining his fears, doubts, and the ongoing battle between who he is and who he fears he might become.
The song serves as a confession of sorts, revealing the struggles with maintaining authenticity in a world that often rewards conformity. It’s about the journey of recognizing one’s flaws, the fear of being consumed by them, and the relentless effort to not “fall away” from one’s true self. The introspective nature of the song indicates that Joseph was in a contemplative state, wrestling with the complexities of his identity and the human condition.
In conclusion, “Fall Away” is more than just a song; it’s a window into the soul of an artist confronting his inner demons and the universal struggle to stay true to oneself amidst life’s challenges.