Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a stark picture of emotional self-preservation. The narrator describes a process of hardening, a defensive mechanism triggered by interactions with others. This isn't about seeking comfort, but about building resilience against perceived indifference or negligence.
The core tension lies in the passive act of "feeding" versus the active consequence of "hardening." It suggests a cycle where receiving from those who are "careless" forces the narrator to become less vulnerable, less open. This implies a deep-seated hurt or disappointment that necessitates such a transformation.
The phrase "feeding from the hand" is particularly potent. It evokes a sense of dependency, yet the source of this sustenance is described as "careless." This contrast highlights the painful irony of needing something from a source that is inherently damaging, leading to the inevitable "hardening."