How Do You?

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark portrait of a deeply flawed individual, described as "bitter and twisted," yet paradoxically yearning for affection. This character, who "wants to be loved and wants to belong," is also presented as demanding attention and even sorrow from others. The opening lines immediately establish a tension between his internal desires and his outward, off-putting nature. Despite his negative traits, the narrator observes a strange deference towards him. The lines "He lives with his mother / But we show him respect" and "He's a dangerous bigot / But we always forget" highlight a collective complicity or willful blindness. This creates a central emotional conflict, as the speaker grapples with how such a person can be accommodated or even honored, despite his clearly destructive tendencies like cheating and bullying. The repeated chorus, "But how do you? How do you? How do you?" serves as the emotional core, a bewildered and almost accusatory question. It's not just directed at the character, but seems to be an internal struggle for the narrator, questioning how anyone—including themselves—can reconcile these contradictions. This insistent query underscores the profound unease and lack of resolution in dealing with such a figure. Ultimately, the lyrics are effective in creating a sense of discomfort and challenging the listener's own perceptions of tolerance and accountability. The character's transformation from a "stupid baby who turned into a powerful freak" suggests a trajectory of unchecked negative development. The raw, fragmented dialogue in the outro, with its exclamations of "You bastard, you," grounds the abstract observations in a visceral, unsettling interaction, making the character's impact feel immediate and personal.