Send You Off

Song Meaning

The narrator grapples with a confusing personal identity, particularly concerning sexuality, admitting a disconnect between their public pronouncements and private turmoil. They confess, "Actually I don't know how this works / This confusing spectrum of modern sexuality," revealing an internal conflict despite espousing progressive ideas to friends. This self-doubt seems to stem from a complex family dynamic, summarized by the stark contrast: "Mom loves me too much / And my daddy not enough." The lyrics paint a picture of someone trying to navigate relationships and self-understanding amidst emotional instability. The repeated phrase, "And I can't (I can't), sustain (Sustain) / But I'll try (I'll try), if it numbs the pain," highlights a desperate attempt to maintain composure or connection, even if it's only a temporary fix for deeper emotional wounds. This suggests a pattern of seeking external validation or distraction rather than confronting the core issues. The narrator's self-perception is further complicated by their upbringing and a sense of detached cynicism. Describing themselves as "nouveau riche" and a "slick son of a bitch" points to a potential disconnect between outward success or confidence and inner insecurity. The final lines, "But all I want to do / Is send you off and get you high," offer a glimpse into a desire for escape, both for themselves and perhaps for the person they are addressing, as a means to avoid the difficult realities of their situation.