Human by Rag’n’Bone Man Lyrics Meaning – The Anthem of Vulnerability in an Imperfect World
Lyrics
I’m only, I’m only
I’m only human, human
Maybe I’m foolish
Maybe I’m blind
Thinkin’ I can see through this
And see what’s behind
Got no way to prove it
So maybe I’m lyin’
But I’m only human after all
I’m only human after all
Don’t put your blame on me
Don’t put your blame on me
Take a look in the mirror
And what do you see?
Do you see it clearer
Or are you deceived
In what you believe?
‘Cause I’m only human after all
You’re only human after all
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t put your blame on me
Some people got the real problems
Some people out of luck
Some people think I can solve them
Lord, heavens above
I’m only human after all
I’m only human after all
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t ask my opinion
Don’t ask me to lie
Then beg for forgiveness
For making you cry
For making you cry
‘Cause I’m only human after all
I’m only human after all
Don’t put your blame on me
Don’t put the blame on me
Oh, some people got the real problems
Some people out of luck
Some people think I can solve them
Lord, heavens above
I’m only human after all
I’m only human after all
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t put the blame on me
I’m only human
I make mistakes
I’m only human
That’s all it takes
To put the blame on me
Don’t put the blame on me
‘Cause I’m no prophet or Messiah
You should go looking somewhere higher
I’m only human after all
I’m only human after all
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t put the blame on me
I’m only human
I do what I can
I’m just a man
I do what I can
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t put your blame on me
Rag’n’Bone Man’s hit song ‘Human’ resonates deeply with listeners around the globe. With its soulful blend of blues and hip-hop, the track serves as a raw confession and a universal plea for empathy in the face of personal fallibility. Released in 2016, the song catapulted the British singer-songwriter Rory Graham, better known as Rag’n’Bone Man, to international acclaim, striking a chord with audiences for its lyrical honesty and haunting melody.
Beyond its chart-topping success and undeniable groove, ‘Human’ invites a nuanced exploration into the complexities of self-reflection, accountability, and the shared struggles of the human condition. The song’s gritty exhortation against unwarranted judgment taps into an ancient vein of human storytelling – the search for understanding in a convoluted moral landscape.
The Raw Vulnerability Behind The Chorus
Chanting the mantra, ‘I’m only human after all,’ Rag’n’Bone Man captures a confession that resonates with the intrinsic humility of being. The repetition of this line throughout the song serves as a constant reminder of our collective fragility, against the often unreasonable expectations set by society. It is both a declaration of inherent imperfection and a defense against the ceaseless pressure to transcend our limitations.
The chorus stands as a common ground confession, where the singer aligns himself with the listener. It’s not only an acknowledgment of one’s individual struggles but also a reflection on the universal human experience – we are all bound by the same threads of vulnerability, making mistakes and facing judgment.
Peering Through the Facade – A Hard Look in the Mirror
In a world rife with illusions, ‘Human’ instructs us to ‘Take a look in the mirror.’ This potent image is not just about literal reflection, but a deeply symbolic act of self-scrutiny and introspection. What we often find in our reflection may be clouded by delusions or denial, complicating our understanding of ourselves and our actions.
The song suggests that introspection can be deceiving and that our self-perception requires constant questioning. It’s a commentary on the human tendency to see ourselves through a distorted lens, often justifying actions and escaping accountability.
Shattering the Saviour Complex
Delving deeper into the lyrics, Rag’n’Bone Man dismantles the idea that one individual can carry the burden of another’s expectations or solve their problems. This powerful message both humanizes the singer and relieves him from the unrealistic mantle of a savior, ‘Some people think I can solve them / Lord, heavens above.’
By insisting upon his limitations, he subtly urges listeners to seek strength and salvation within themselves or in higher powers, rather than in fallible humans. This humility is a rare commodity in a culture that frequently idolizes public figures, expecting heroic perfection.
The Layered Cadence of Empathy – Unpacking the Hidden Meaning
A deeper dive into the song reveals layers of empathy that encourage compassion, both towards oneself and others. By repeatedly stating ‘Don’t put the blame on me,’ Rag’n’Bone Man reinforces the idea that blame is a heavy burden to bear, and one that should not be cast carelessly onto others.
There’s a hidden plea for kindness within these lines, promoting an understanding that everyone has their own battles. The song suggests that creating a culturally empathetic norm where individuals are not faulted for every misstep could potentially weave a stronger societal fabric.
Echoes of Remorse and Lines That Linger
The song does more than just deflect blame; it also offers subtle admissions of regret, ‘I’m only human, I make mistakes.’ These lines immediately communicate an awareness of personal culpability. They are memorable not just for their beat or melody, but because they illustrate a moment of genuine contrition – a desire to be better despite human frailty.
Lyrics such as ‘I’m no prophet or Messiah’ and ‘You should go looking somewhere higher’ linger long after the song concludes, hinting at a larger commentary on the pursuit of idols and the misplaced quest for absolute guidance in the fallible form of man, proposing instead a redirection towards a more divine or internal search for answers and resolution.
