Meaning of "Witness" by Cyndi Lauper

The lyrics of "Witness" by Cyndi Lauper convey the narrator's reluctance to be involved in a situation or relationship that has caused them harm or dissatisfaction. The repetition of "I don't wanna be a witness" emphasizes their strong aversion to being a bystander to someone else's behavior or actions. The opening lines suggest that the subject of the song is remorseful and promises to change, but the narrator expresses doubt and stands their ground by stating, "I don't wanna be." This refusal indicates their desire to distance themselves from the negative influence and remain true to themselves. The line "I'm crawling back, I'm searching the right track" suggests that the narrator has gained self-awareness and is determined to find their own path, one that is free from the negative influences of the past. The mention of being a "jailbird chained to walk" reflects a feeling of being trapped or hindered by the actions or words of another person. The repetition of the word "witness" throughout the song underscores the idea of observing or being forced to be a part of someone else's mistakes or misfortunes. The overall message of the song seems to be about taking control of one's own life and refusing to be a passive spectator in someone else's troubles.