Sometimes (Peel Session)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone keenly aware of others' hidden motives, even when those individuals believe they are being deceptive. The opening lines, with "angel hair" and "transmissionaries," create an ethereal, almost mystical atmosphere, suggesting a heightened perception or a spiritual insight into the unseen. This sets the stage for the narrator's assertion of clarity: "You think I don't see / I see clear through." The central tension arises from this perceived clairvoyance versus the actions of others. The narrator observes "little fish in my sea / Living vicariously," implying a sense of being surrounded by those who are merely mimicking or borrowing from a perceived identity, perhaps even the narrator's own. This feeling of being watched or mimicked fuels the narrator's desire to "hide" and then to be seen on their own terms, as indicated by the repeated "See me." The most striking aspect of the writing is the recurring motif of sight and perception, contrasted with the idea of being "green" or naive. The narrator claims to "see clear through" and to have "real eyes," suggesting an authentic, unclouded vision. This is juxtaposed with the "little fish" and the implied deception of those around them, who are perhaps "green" in their attempts to deceive. The bridge's fragmented nature, with lines like "I burn my eyes" and a plea to "show me the white side," hints at the painful effort required to maintain this level of perception or to confront uncomfortable truths. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they tap into the universal feeling of being underestimated or misunderstood, while simultaneously possessing a deeper understanding of a situation. The narrator's unwavering claim of seeing "clear through" offers a sense of empowerment, even amidst the implied struggle and the unsettling imagery of being surrounded by "fish" and hidden intentions.