The last two lines of Brilliant Disguise by Bruce Springsteen goes as follows:God have mercy on the man
Who doubts what he's sure of
Now if you actually listen to the song, it doesn't make much sense. Although it is a brilliant, brilliant song, I failed to distinguish much of the words. Yet, if you go through the lyrics, it is a song about a man who speaks of his insecurities and doubts in his relationship/marriage. He doubts his wife's intentions behind being with him, he cannot believe why a woman like her would be with a man like him. He questions whether these feelings that she shows are for real or whether they are a brilliant disguise. Yet, towards the end, he doubts himself.
Ok, I get it to a certain point. He has all these feelings and he is in doubt over them. They say that "The Boss", wrote this when he was going through the ending of his first marriage. And unlike the passion and romance of love that most romantic songs talk about, this is a song that speaks about all the insecurities and doubts that every couple has to go through. But, I just don't get the last two lines.
If he is so sure of something, why is he doubting it? I mean, if that was indeed the case, god definitely should have mercy on that man. And I am sure that I am missing something important being said in these two lines! :(
So, I am asking all of you - if you have any enlightening thoughts about exactly WHAT these two lines should mean, please do leave a comment! :)
6 comments:
Well this is indeed a tough question to answer....:)I think he asks for mercy for mistrusting the person whom he trust the most where it should not be the case.Simply because the trust will keep any relationship going ...when it deteriorates so does the relationship. This is what came into my mind. may be i'm wrong...and he intended to express a totally different view that relates to the song writer's experiences.
I look at this in a simpler way. Any one should have a will and determination in life. No matter how sure you are about some things if you have even small doubts over those, things can become ugly.
Im my way of doing I like it that way. Life is uncertain. Contingency is mandatory
I think its a pity to get the feeling of doubt over a perception that you have for a loved one. i feel when you truly in love with him/her you feel sorry for feeling doubt for her/him.
Yes Purnima. When it comes to a relationship trust 'the' mandatory requirement. The small spark of doubt can burn down the whole house.
This indeed is a great song but unfortunately this guy never had a No. 1 hit in his entire music career.
Well, I have a different perception on this song. I think this song is about something sure of, than something he doubts or is puzzled or insecure about.
He realises, due to unsaid reasons that his woman is hanging on to him because of his fame and wealth and does not actually love him for the person that he is. And this is the act he refers to as the Brilliant Disguise.
"So when you look at me you better look hard and look twice
Is that me baby or just a brilliant disguise"
This says it all. She doesnt see him as the person that he truely is and I guess this is what lead to the end of their marriage. As far as the line you have quoted goes, I think he wants everyone to believe in everything that they know and are sure of, and god have mercy on those who dont and are wasting their time trying to find reasons to disprove what they are sure of in life.
P.S. - And last but not least, I maybe wrong. Maybe this is what he wanted to create, a dilemma!
oh!...... *thinking*.... *more thinking*
That actually makes sense! I really found it hard to believe that he is talking about how sure he is about her, and he is sorry for mistrusting/doubting her... Cuz that just didnt make much sense... But this way, it does! You are saying that he always knew that she was putting up a brilliant disguise, and god should have mercy on him for thinking that it was actually love, am I right? Oh ho! I think I get it, and it actually makes sense, at least more than the other way around!!
Thanks all you guys for helping me out with this one! I am so dim when it comes to song lyrics, poems, and words of wisdom! :) It took me 10 years to understand that "Said I loved you, but I lied" was actually a song about love and how he thinks that the word "love" isnt enough to express how he feels about her.. I actually thought he was confessing to her about him lying!! :( Anyways.... :) Thanks a million for all your thoughts! Please keep commenting!
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