Track 7 · Not Fixing, Just Listening
Who Told You That
Track 7 from Not Fixing, Just Listening.
About this song
About Who Told You That
The emotional core of 'Who told you that' is a profound examination of self-doubt and the voices that feed our insecurities. It holds space for the feeling of being burdened by external judgments and internalized beliefs, as expressed in lines like, "You’re not enough" and "You always mess it up." This song speaks directly to anyone grappling with the weight of these repetitive, haunting thoughts, inviting them to question their validity and the sources behind them.
Track 7 on Not Fixing, Just Listening. Duration: 2:46.
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Lyrics
hold that thought.
Who told you that?
Okay.
Who said that?
“You always mess it up.”
Right.
Who taught you that?
like it’s been here a while.
But confidence doesn’t mean truth—
sometimes it just means repetition with a smile.
Says who?
“You’re too much.”
According to whom?
You keep quoting sentences
without checking the source.
when you don’t ask questions.
Say it out loud.
Who put that sentence
in your mouth?
Was it fact,
or just something you heard—
and never bothered to return?
Name the voice.
‘Cause if it’s not yours,
it’s still a choice.
Just ‘cause it’s familiar
don’t mean it’s true—
so tell me again…
who told you?
Compared to what?
“You’re behind.”
Behind who?
You’re racing ghosts
with timelines
nobody signed you up to.
That line’s lazy.
“That’s just reality.”
Sounds convenient.
Funny how every limit
benefits the fear
that set it.
it starts to sound like you.
But borrowed thoughts
don’t magically turn true.
just because it’s old.
Where’d it startsame voice come from?
Was it someone tired,
angry,
young?
Was it said once,
then stuck around?
Or did you rehearse it
‘til it sounded profound?
Before you obey—
maybe check
who’s giving the orders today.
because nobody questions them.
Not because they’re right—
just because they’re early.
And why’d you listen?
Not every thought
deserves a position.
You don’t have to fight it,
don’t have to attack—
just ask the question
and take your power back.
you don’t have to keep the rule.
AI Interpretation
What this song means
The emotional core of 'Who told you that' is a profound examination of self-doubt and the voices that feed our insecurities. It holds space for the feeling of being burdened by external judgments and internalized beliefs, as expressed in lines like, "You’re not enough" and "You always mess it up." This song speaks directly to anyone grappling with the weight of these repetitive, haunting thoughts, inviting them to question their validity and the sources behind them.
William Cloudborn is communicating a journey of self-discovery and reclamation in 'Who told you that.' Through the playful yet incisive questioning of harmful narratives, like when he asks, "Who taught you that?" he wants listeners to dissect the origins of their self-imposed limitations. He aims to illuminate that many beliefs are borrowed and not inherently true, encouraging a gentle but assertive challenge to these internalized voices, ultimately inviting the listener to reclaim their power and authenticity.
This song can serve as a comforting companion during moments of self-doubt or introspection, like a hard morning when negative thoughts creep in or during a quiet drive when one reflects on past failures. It gently nudges the listener to pause and question the validity of those thoughts, providing clarity and a sense of agency in reclaiming one's narrative. In situations of shame or anxiety, it offers a grounding reminder that not every thought deserves a place in one's mind, fostering a sense of self-compassion and empowerment.