These Are Some of the Things That I Think About

Song Meaning

The narrator opens with a feeling of arrested development, questioning why turning 27 feels like a "deception" when their "skin is always changing." This immediate disconnect between external markers of time and internal experience sets a tone of existential unease. The repetition of "I don't know why I'm hesitating" and the self-doubt about whether the feeling is a "sign" or "part of my design" highlight a struggle with self-perception and the passage of time. The lyrics then pivot to a series of fragmented thoughts, ranging from video game analogies like "If Ganon is my only last fight" and questioning if "Zelda is for" giving up a "sword," to relationship dynamics. The contrast between fighting "over text" (where "all the evidence" exists) and fighting "over the phone" (where one is "running in circles") suggests a frustration with communication breakdowns and a desire for clarity. The plea, "Then give me the reason, / Don't tell me I'm wrong / When you're not seeing it," underscores a deep-seated need for validation and understanding. A striking pattern emerges in the latter half with the repeated self-identification as "just another man." This refrain is layered with admissions of running "from the cause," lying, running "from a cop," and being "afraid to be lost." This confession of avoidance and fear creates a powerful internal conflict, contrasting with earlier desires for clarity and romance. The narrator seems to be grappling with a perceived lack of agency and a tendency towards self-sabotage. Ultimately, the song captures a mind in constant motion, cycling through anxieties about identity, relationships, and personal failings. The recurring phrase "These are some of the things that I think about" acts as a refrain for this internal monologue, acknowledging the chaotic but deeply human process of introspection. The final lines, "And now every morning / I'm thinkin' about someone / And everyone that I have ever met," coupled with the questioning of "Heaven! Heaven? Is it real?" suggest a yearning for connection and meaning amidst the overwhelming complexity of existence.