Music

Opposite's True   Run Time: 4:20

Written by Bill Mallonee for CyBrenJoJosh (BMI) ©1998

oh these odd years when reviewed i constantly find
hey when i'm reaching for the light darkness is not far behind
you might think i've learned a thing or two about playing it cool
well you might think that that is so ah but no no the opposite's true

you might think in the storm we've discovered the eye of the calm
but i've yet to find a way to dodge all these sweaty little palms
yeah you might think we've made some enemies but i just can't i recall who
you might think it keeps us up at night but no no the opposite's true

are there any words of wisdom i've picked up along the way
why yes death usually comes dressed up in her finery and lace
hey hasn't everyone in these bars been crying inside their whole life through
well you might think we cease to hear it ah but no no the opposite's true

kings and queens are bankrupt here at the mouth of the nile
they say the pyramids they're all looted pharaoh won't be back for a while
crocodiles are hungry see them polish their top ends with care
i used to understand their language but now i'm just unaware

used to install fire alarms before i ever started to sing
after all these years i find i've been doing the same thing
hey everyone stop check your pulse never mind it's code blue
well you might think to call the doctor but no no the opposite's true

Did You Know?

A very detailed explanation of the lyrics by Bill:

The verse about "Pharoah, etc.": I think they (the words) may be about the current upper crust who are driven by power, greed and materialism... they are the have it all... hollywood-babylon... we're the modern Egyptians... we walk like them (i love that little whisper Susanna Hoffs does... and then that little wink she gives)... ahem... "the kings and queens are bankrupt"... well of course they are spiritually... "here at the mouth of the Nile" (that's us in the lando'plent-A)... "pyramids are all looted" (pyramids were the symbol of religious belief and afterlife in the ancient Egypitian world)... so the status driven materialists here are telling us that there is no reason to have faith in God... He ain't there and isn't coming back for a while in their less than humble opinion (see how dry and boring Cliff notes are)... "Crocodiles" have always held a dear, dear spot in my heart... in the present day world they almost always manifest themselves as record company executives and industry folks... who aren't involved in music 'cause they can hear anymore or 'cause they love it... no, that was long ago... now it's just the bottom line... the almighty dollar... i can't ever "understand the language" they speak so i, we, the band, the "losers" remain blissfully "unaware" of the logic they choose to live and guide their endeavors by...

This song was already being performed in 1994, years before the official release. In more recent years, Bill has been performing a slow version of this song in concert. FYI, Bill never actually installed fire alarms.

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