Guidelines (Amyss, Willy Van Florence Remix)

Song Meaning

The lyrics immediately plunge into a scene of profound emotional distress, with "Tears lost" falling "like raindrops." This raw vulnerability quickly gives way to aggressive defiance, as the speaker challenges unseen callers from the "lifeline" and "sidelines." The core declaration, "Usin' pain and pressure as my guidelines," sets a tone of grim determination. Central to these lyrics is a deep internal conflict. The speaker admits to a "bad relationship with my head" and a profound sense of being lost, confessing "I don't know what I'm cravin'." Yet, this vulnerability is juxtaposed with a fierce rejection of external judgment or help, even as they desperately cry out, "I need a angel, I need a saviour." This tension between needing salvation and pushing others away highlights a complex struggle for self-reliance. The most striking craft element is the recurring phrase, "Usin' pain and pressure as my guidelines." This isn't just a statement; it's a philosophy, transforming negative forces into a perverse form of motivation. It suggests a deliberate choice to harness adversity, turning personal suffering into the very framework for moving forward. The speaker's journey from "peon" to "phenom" and the readiness for "war like Cleon" are directly fueled by this harsh, self-imposed discipline. Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they paint a vivid portrait of a character forged in fire. The raw honesty about mental health, the defiant stance against perceived critics, and the paradoxical embrace of suffering create a compelling narrative. It's a story of ambition and resilience, where the path to success is paved not with ease, but with the very struggles that threaten to break the speaker.