Meaning of "Impostor" by Red

The lyrics of "Impostor" delve into themes of betrayal, deception, and the loss of innocence. The song portrays the internal struggle of the protagonist who is realizing that someone they trusted and believed in was not who they appeared to be. The opening lines, "It's coming undone, this world that I made, I feel it descending now," suggest a gradual unraveling of the protagonist's perception of reality. They feel that the world they created, built on trust and authenticity, is crumbling beneath them.

The repeated references to lies and death in the lyrics highlight the magnitude of the deception. The lines "Every word's a trap to your lies, Every life you try to save dies" imply that the impostor's manipulative actions have led to significant harm and loss. The imagery of truth being held like a knife emphasizes the danger the impostor poses to those around them.

The lyrics also touch on the concept of identity, as the protagonist refers to themselves as a "shadow lost deep inside." This suggests that the betrayal has caused them to question not only the impostor's identity but also their own sense of self. The mention of a masquerade further emphasizes the theme of deception, with the protagonist acknowledging that they have been living under an illusion created by the impostor.

The chorus reflects the protagonist's longing for the truth to be revealed. They appeal to the impostor, asking them to admit that they were never genuine and to find another soul to deceive. The use of the phrase "You're my impostor" suggests a personal connection between the two, possibly indicating that the protagonist had a deep emotional bond with the impostor, making the betrayal even more painful.

Overall, "Impostor" portrays the emotional turmoil that arises from deceit and the longing for the return of innocence and authenticity. It explores the complex emotions experienced by the deceived, their struggle to reconcile the image they had of the impostor with the reality they now face.