Should

Song Meaning

The lyrics of "Should" immediately establish a profound internal conflict, opening with the stark image of "Bone dry" before launching into a series of urgent, almost defiant questions. The speaker grapples with whether to fully embrace life's most visceral and uninhibited experiences. It's a raw, sensory exploration of self-denial versus an intense yearning for vitality. Central to these lyrics is the repeated rhetorical question, "Should I never...?" This isn't just about physical acts like dancing or sweating; it delves into embodying a spirit of passionate abandon, like Salome, or tapping into an intuitive "wisdom of hands." The speaker seems to be challenging an invisible barrier, questioning whether to follow an inner compass, even with the unsettling observation that "The blind lead the blind." The recurring phrase "Bone dry" serves as a powerful anchor, creating a stark contrast with the rich, fluid imagery of "Bathing in rain / And moonlight and flame" or "surreal shadows / Rushing through my veins." This juxtaposition amplifies the speaker's internal struggle, making the yearning for life's vibrancy feel even more potent against a backdrop of depletion. The interlude, "Always / Doesn't mean anything / Always / No," further complicates this, suggesting a rejection of empty promises or grand, unfulfilled expectations. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they articulate a universal human struggle: the tension between caution and the ache for genuine connection and experience. The speaker's vulnerability shines through in lines like "Should I never feel / The healing you bring," culminating in a simple, defiant affirmation: "I'm breathing, I'm breathing." It's a testament to finding life's pulse and tracing a line of intimate connection "from lips to heartbeat" even amidst profound existential questioning.