it never gets easier

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a bleak picture of existence, where the desire to live clashes with the inherent difficulty of being alive. The opening verse establishes a universal struggle, noting how everyone "wants to live their life" yet simultaneously "throwin' away their lives" and clinging to pride. This immediate contradiction sets a tone of pervasive disillusionment, suggesting a societal facade where outward appearances mask inner turmoil. The central tension lies in the stark, repetitive refrain: "It never gets easier / To be alive." This isn't a nuanced exploration of hardship; it's a blunt, almost nihilistic assertion. The repetition hammers home a feeling of inescapable struggle, implying that the fundamental state of being is one of perpetual difficulty, regardless of external circumstances or individual efforts. The second verse subtly shifts the perspective, introducing the idea of avoidance and secrecy. The desire to live now leads to "won't breathe the air outside," a metaphor for retreating from the world, and the acknowledgment that "Everyone has something to hide." This suggests that the difficulty of being alive is so profound that people actively withdraw and conceal their true selves, further isolating them in their struggle. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their brutal simplicity and relentless repetition. The lack of complex metaphor or narrative allows the core message to hit with full force. The repeated phrase acts like a mantra of despair, resonating with anyone who has felt the weight of existence pressing down, making the simple act of being feel like an insurmountable challenge.