Onward

Song Meaning

The lyrics to "Onward" plunge into a deep well of existential dread and self-questioning. The speaker grapples with hidden decay and impending endings, asking about the structures that were "rotting all along." It's a raw confrontation with mortality and the unsettling feeling of being caught unaware. A core tension emerges between internal paralysis and a universal truth. The speaker feels trapped, unable to move forward, yet the chorus declares a shared human condition: "We're all dying." This collective fate is not just about death, but about the contradictory nature of existence itself—being both "the kindest and the meanest," the brightest and the deepest dark. The most striking craft element is the stark contrast between the verses' anxious introspection and the refrain's insistent, almost desperate, command. After wrestling with untamed feelings and a sense of being "bad," the repeated "Onward, onward" acts as a forceful, mantra-like push against stagnation. It suggests a will to persevere despite the overwhelming doubts and the recognition of inherent human flaws. What makes these lyrics resonate is their unflinching honesty about human complexity and the unique solace found in connection. The "you" figure isn't a savior who pulls the speaker out of despair, but rather one who appears to understand and even "take the lows." This suggests a profound empathy, a willingness to descend into the depths with the speaker, making the burden feel lighter not by removal, but by shared understanding and presence.