The lyrics of "Decoy Face" by The Growlers explore themes of deception, appearances, and the fear of vulnerability. The song describes a character named Darley who hides her true thoughts and emotions behind a decoy face, causing her to disconnect from the conversation and mentally drift away. The lyrics suggest that there are many onlookers who eagerly wait for others to stumble or reveal their true selves, displaying a kind of schadenfreude mentality. The chorus emphasizes the superficial nature of social interactions, where people are more concerned about creating a good impression rather than expressing their genuine thoughts and feelings. The narrator, while acknowledging the need for maintaining appearances, states that they do not want to hear others' real confessions, indicating a preference for the artificial over the authentic. The second verse introduces the concept of solitude and the discomfort it brings. The narrator advises against indulging in false illusions and mentions that even though people may claim to love you, you are ultimately alone in facing the truth. This reflects a sense of isolation and the realization that personal experiences and struggles are ultimately an individual's burden to bear. The bridge of the song adds a different perspective, with the narrator comparing life to a deck of cards and gambling. They express fear and anxiety over losing, which is seen as a terrifying aspect of life. In contrast, winning is portrayed as something society deems as "art." The mention of wearing a decoy face again suggests a need to hide true emotions and thoughts in order to fit in or succeed. Overall, "Decoy Face" by The Growlers delves into the complexities of human interaction, the fear of vulnerability, and the tension between authenticity and societal expectations.
