This is not about an individual. It is a lyric about frightened, unhappy, controlling, hateful, insecure, self-absorbed, braggarts and liars. I'm aware that many people's minds will go to one individual, and assume it's about him/her. It is not. At least it is not just about him/her.
If your mind goes to this individual, then YOU must believe that he/she clicks all these boxes, but that's on you, not me. I'm not saying I didn't have this person in my mind as I wrote this, but he/she was in my mind as a representative of a rather large group of angry, fearful, insecure, self-absorbed people I've known all my life, not as a 'sole source' of inspiration.
LITTLE TIN GODS
VERSE 1.
How can you live with all that hatred? -- How do you survive through all that fear?
How can you stand being part of the problem? – And how dare you spread that poison here.
How do you justify the violence? – How can you justify the pain?
From the damage you do to yourself and to others – What could you think you have to gain?
Pre-CHORUS
You boast that you’re the all time greatest. – That you are the ultimate superstar.
But all the bragging is just a symptom, – Of just how small you‘re afraid you are.
CHORUS:
You wrap yourself in the flag and the bible. – Claim they direct your every move.
But if you would really read that Bible – You’d realize that can’t be true.
And all your fearful bragging and lying – can never really set you free.
You’ll never convince yourself you’re becoming, – The little Tin Gods you always wanted to be.
Verse 2.
It gets so pathetic, sad, and lonely. – When the only thing you care about is you.
Thinly disguised self hate and self loathing. – Your desperation keeps showing through.
How can you live with all your lying? – Staying blind to all you’re afraid to see.
You desperately hope that you’re becoming, – The little Tin Gods you always wanted to be.
Pre-CHORUS
You boast that you’re the all time greatest. – That you are the ultimate superstar.
But all the bragging is just a symptom, – Of just how small you‘re afraid you are.
CHORUS:
And if you really thought God was watching. – You wouldn’t ever do the things you do.
If you really thought God was watching, – You could never dare do the things you do.
And all your fearful bragging and lying – can never really set you free.
You’ll never convince yourself you’re becoming, – The little Tin Gods you always wanted to be.