"A Thousand Spies" is a conversation between an abusive person (be it a partner, friend, or even a parent) and a victim. Throughout the song the victim starts to realize that the sacrifices they're making aren't valued and they would be better off leaving their abuser behind. The song ends with the instrumental hook and rap being left out of the chorus to symbolize a successful escape.
lyrics
[Verse 1]
I gave you every last bit of my charity
(That’s what I want, that’s what I need, give it all up, and give it to me)
And in return all you gave me was tyranny
(Do what I say, and do everything, I don’t want to wait and I don’t want think)
“Give me a chance” is all you can say to me
(You know I try, you know I’d die, don’t make this hard, just give me a break)
But I can tell all your love is just make belief
(How dare you lie, how dare you cry, after all this time, you think it’s fake)
[Chorus]
You didn’t think that I’d break all ties (call me back)
I see right through you like a thousand spies (one more chance)
You’re alone like you’re meant to be (you need me)
With no one left to hear you scream (agh!)
[Verse 2]
You say come back like I’d ever think you would change
(I said I would, I can’t believe, to think you deserve someone better than me)
I will forgive but I will not come back to pain
(For all I’ve done, for all I gave, I hurt for you, so don’t you leave)
If you’re just fine why don’t you just find someone else
(It’s destiny, we’re family, look at me, don’t turn away)
Go fall in love and you’ll do what you do the best
(You think you’re smart, you think you’re right, someday I’ll put you in your place)
[Chorus]
You didn’t think that I’d break all ties (call me back)
I see right through you like a thousand spies (one more chance)
You’re alone like you’re meant to be (you need me)
With no one left to hear you scream (agh!)
You didn’t think that I’d break all ties (break all ties)
I see right through you like a thousand spies (a thousand spies)
You’re alone like you’re meant to be (meant to be)
With no one left to hear you scream
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