Change the Formality

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a stark, almost detached observation of human behavior, framing it within a desire to alter the 'formality' of existence. This attempt to change the rules or the perceived structure of things is immediately juxtaposed with the brutal reality of conflict: "People killing people for a reason." It suggests a fundamental disconnect between an internal drive for change and the external world's often violent and irrational nature. The core tension lies in the narrator's effort to impose a new order or perspective, symbolized by changing the 'formality.' This drive seems to stem from a place where actions, even grave ones like "mistakes you don't regret," lead to a forced 'conclusion.' The repetition emphasizes a cyclical process of attempted alteration met with an unyielding, perhaps even grim, outcome. The most striking aspect is the blunt pairing of abstract intent with concrete, violent imagery. The phrase "change the formality" feels like an attempt to reframe or redefine the rules of engagement, yet it's immediately followed by the starkest possible example of human interaction. This contrast highlights a perceived absurdity, where attempts at nuanced change are overshadowed by primal, destructive actions. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate through their unsettling directness. They capture a feeling of trying to rationalize or reconfigure a world that often operates on brutal, unexamined principles. The relentless repetition of the chorus drives home a sense of futility, as the desire to alter the 'formality' seems perpetually met by the same harsh realities.