The Original

Song Meaning

The narrator feels a stark contrast between their own hesitant existence and the uninhibited freedom of another person. While the narrator admits, "I only go where I'm wanted," they observe the other person moving "only where you want," a direct comparison that fuels a desire for change: "I aim to be more like you." This sets up a dynamic where the narrator feels trapped, haunted by an internal "ghost" that rattles at every possibility, yearning for an "open window" of opportunity. The central tension arises from this perceived difference in agency and authenticity. The narrator sees the other person as inherently unique, describing their mind as "original" and their very being as "the original." This originality is presented as a powerful force, capable of unlocking the narrator, as evidenced by the striking metaphor, "you're a skeleton key opening me." Meanwhile, the narrator feels opportunities slipping away, with "doors are starting to close." The lyrics employ vivid imagery to highlight this contrast. The "flowers of adaptation" that "unfold and lovingly alarm" suggest a forced or unnatural growth in the narrator, unlike the other person who "effortlessly ring[s] that bell." The idea of unique "stripes" and being "the bough ideal of rare birds" further emphasizes the other's innate specialness. The narrator's state is one of being "under your spell," suggesting a profound, almost magical influence. This song's effectiveness lies in its precise articulation of admiration and self-perceived inadequacy. The narrator isn't just envious; they are captivated by the other's fundamental nature, seeing it as a blueprint for liberation. The repeated affirmation, "Always were and always will be," applied to the other's originality, solidifies this sense of awe and the narrator's hope that this influence might lead to their own transformation.