Misdirection
A song review
Tender and weary in equal measure, these lyrics trace the slow unraveling of connection — whether between two people or a society pulling itself apart. The longing for harmony, empathy, and basic kindness sits at the center of the song, made more poignant by how modest those requests are and how far out of reach they seem. By the end the narrator isn't angry so much as quietly resolved, choosing distance and safety over the exhausting hope that things might finally change. It's a breakup song for relationships of every kind — intimate, communal, and political — and it aches with the particular sadness of caring about something that has stopped caring back.
“When did empathy become a bad thing? Asking for a friend.”
Lyrics
We’re not headed in the right direction
Every day we’re getting further from home
Keep calling out for your affection
It’s like shouting in a crowded room
When will you get here
Oh you know I’ve been waiting so goddamn long
Send me a message
Or maybe you could just finally pick up your phone
Just want to call you baby
Just want to live in harmony
I just want to call you baby
Give me some empathy please
I don’t like all the arguing
Just want to call you my baby
I don’t like all the constant fighting
Could you please just be nice to me
It’s been a while since I’ve seen you
And it seems like you have gone off the deep end
Agree to disagree
Or maybe we should try and play pretend
Is it really worth the patience
Giving time to those who love to hate
I think I’ll keep my distance
Keep myself and my friends safe
Just want to call you baby
Just want to live in harmony
I just want to call you baby
Give me some empathy please
I don’t like all the arguing
Just want to call you my baby
I don’t like all the constant fighting
Could you please just be nice to me
All day, all night
Every day is a different fight
All day, all night
Every day is a different fight
