Song Meaning
The lyrics grapple with the inevitable failures and imperfections of life, suggesting a defiant embrace of continuous effort despite setbacks. The opening lines acknowledge that perfection is unattainable and that not every endeavor will succeed, setting a tone of realistic optimism. The narrator seems to be pushing back against external judgment and internal doubt, insisting on a kind of purity of intention even when outcomes are flawed. This is encapsulated in the chorus's powerful declaration, "Bury me I make true all the things I conceive / Innocent, there's no blood on my hands."
The central tension lies in the conflict between aspiration and reality, between the desire to manifest one's vision and the harshness of the external world or one's own limitations. The lyrics acknowledge that "scorners laugh" and that "awareness doesn't assure wisdom," highlighting the difficulty of navigating life's complexities. Yet, the narrator's response is not despair but a determined resilience: "So I find out I'm wrong / I don't mind I'll flick it off and continue." This suggests a coping mechanism focused on forward momentum rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
A striking element is the radical deconstruction of reality presented in the bridge: "Nothing that you see is real! / Nothing that you feel is real! / Even life itself ain't real!" This existential questioning, while potentially disorienting, seems to serve a purpose of detachment. By questioning the solidity of perceived reality, the narrator might be attempting to lessen the sting of failure and the weight of judgment, making it easier to "flick it off and continue."
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their blend of vulnerability and an almost defiant self-assurance. The acknowledgment of fragility – "It's very hard to feel strong in a shell / That is soft light and fragile" – makes the subsequent resolve to learn and move forward feel earned and authentic. The message is one of persistent, unburdened living, where the only true failure is ceasing to try.