Human Being

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of social awkwardness and a desperate yearning for connection. The narrator feels like an outsider, a "shadow in the corner," observing parties where attempts to engage are met with polite but clear rejection. This isn't about not liking people; it's about feeling fundamentally out of sync, making the simple act of "talk[ing] to" others a daunting challenge. The central tension lies in the narrator's self-awareness of their social discomfort versus the innate human need to belong. They recognize that parties "aren't for us," yet keep returning, seeking a fleeting sense of "human" existence. This internal conflict is amplified by the presence of another person, someone who offers a potential anchor to normalcy and belonging, making the narrator wish they could be around them "all the time." The most striking craft element is the repeated, almost desperate plea: "I just wanna feel like a human being." This refrain, amplified by its repetition, underscores the profound sense of alienation. The bridge further emphasizes this by listing physical components – "My blood, my bones, my skull, my skeleton" – suggesting that even their physical form feels like a barrier, unable to contain the overwhelming emotions and desires, particularly the intense feelings sparked by a kiss. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a universal struggle with social anxiety and the deep-seated desire for acceptance. The narrator's vulnerability, exposed through vivid imagery of isolation and the raw expression of their longing, makes the simple wish to "feel like a human being" incredibly powerful and relatable.