Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of constant external judgment and internal conflict. The opening verses establish a world where every action and word is met with disapproval or misunderstanding. This creates an immediate sense of frustration, as the narrator observes that no matter the effort, there's always someone who 'Doesn't like it' or 'Don't understand it.' This sets up a pervasive feeling of being scrutinized.
The core tension emerges from the struggle between seeking external validation and the realization that it's unattainable. The chorus, with its repeated 'Fly,' offers a potential escape, a way to transcend the negativity. However, the verses detailing relationships with 'brother,' 'sister,' 'He,' and 'She' reveal a more complex reality. These figures are either unsupportive, accusatory, or demanding, yet the narrator feels compelled to 'Take care of you' or 'need her,' highlighting a painful push-and-pull between independence and dependence.
The most striking craft element is the juxtaposition of the aspirational chorus with the grounded, often contradictory, relationship dynamics in the verses. The repeated phrase 'Take care of you' is particularly interesting; it appears in the context of both supportive advice ('Hey brother find a way / Around you everyday / Take care of you') and a more resigned, perhaps self-directed, command ('Take care of you / Take it'). This ambiguity suggests a complex internal state, where caring for oneself might be the only way to navigate difficult external relationships.
Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture the exhausting nature of navigating social pressures and flawed relationships. The repeated emphasis on external disapproval, coupled with the internal struggle to break free or maintain connections, creates a powerful emotional landscape. The 'Fly' motif acts as a persistent, almost desperate, plea for liberation from these constraints, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the frustration.