"Captured" tells the story of a person who has become trapped inside his own version of reality. Every contradiction becomes another justification. Every challenge becomes a conspiracy. Every criticism becomes an attack.

The song asks a simple question: What happens when the prison bars are made from the lies we tell ourselves?


Captured


[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse]
I’m smart but you won’t see my grades
I’m clean but I don’t change my ways
I’m right when I say that I’m right
And it turns to truth when I say it twice

[Verse]
I’m innocent but I won’t testify
I stay quiet but I never say why
Release all the files unless I’m inside
If I’m in the story then the truth gets denied

[Pre-chorus]
Don’t ask me to change what I believe
I build my truth on what I see

[Chorus]
I’m captured, captured, caught in my mind
Captured, captured, running out of time
It’s a witch hunt when it’s not my way
It’s fake news when they don’t obey
I know it all - I don’t lose
I make the truth fit my views
Captured, captured, what I’ve become
Captured, captured, nowhere to run

[Break]

[Verse]
I’m successful but my business fails
I win every time when I tell my tales
If it helps me win, it must be right
If it hurts my name, then it’s out of sight

[Pre-chorus]
Don’t show me a mirror I don’t agree with
I rewrite the world till it fits my script

[Chorus]
I’m captured, captured, caught in my mind
Captured, captured, running out of time
It’s a witch hunt when it’s not my way
It’s fake news when they don’t obey
I know it all, I don’t lose
I make the truth fit my views
Captured, captured, what I’ve become
Captured, captured, nowhere to run

[Bridge]
If you come for me, I’ll come for you
In ways you can’t imagine I’d do
I built this world and I built it to win
And I can’t see the cage I’m in

[Interlude]

[Final chorus]
I’m captured, captured, caught in my mind
Captured, captured, running out of time
It’s a witch hunt when it’s not my way
It’s fake news when they don’t obey
I know it all, I don’t lose
I make the truth fit my views
Captured, captured, what I’ve become
Captured, captured, nowhere to run


[Outro]
I’m captured, captured, nowhere to run

I will have a closer look to see where this may go Rob..rising over the scene here is IMO a way to capture the universals in this...

John, I'm always open for collaborations. I can't wait to see what you come up with. It would be great if you could leave the flow in the chorus as it is because that section is soooo cool.

We'll be having friends over starting tomorrow until Sunday. Therefore... no need to hurry.

All the best - Robert

Challenging and complex write. John is on to something with the exposition…how is the singer so self aware, and still so riteous?

I know you like the chorus and the lyric Rob, but I wanted to "rise" above it...this guy created his own prison by (Leonard Cohen reference) plastering over the cracks where the light gets in

More accurately, what I have so far...but yes....

Sorry I could not inspire some rethinking Rob...does not always work...

Was trying to not be in the fray but observe\judge etc...so thowing some ideas at you...with this person in their selrf enclosed room

Sorry I could not inspire some rethinking Rob...does not always work...

Was trying to not be in the fray but observe\judge etc...so thowing some ideas at you...with this person in their selrf enclosed room

John,
No apology necessary.

What I found most interesting wasn't so much the specific lyric changes as the shift in perspective. My version is very much from inside the prison, while your version steps back and observes it from a higher level.

And I have to admit, "I've plastered the cracks that let in the light" is a powerful image. That one stayed with me.
Whether or not I end up changing this song, I think your comments made me think more deeply about the underlying idea and where else it could go. That's exactly the kind of feedback I value.

I also appreciate that you weren't trying to turn it into an argument. You were looking at it as a songwriter and asking how the concept might become more universal and timeless. That's a worthwhile challenge for any writer.

Thanks for taking the time to kick the tires on it and throw some ideas around.

Rob

Hi, Rob.

I rarely critique, but have you ever heard I Shall Be Released by The Band?

Hey Robert,
no, I've never heard that song. Listening just now. It's a Dylan song. I'd love to hear your thoughts.