Song Meaning

The narrator describes a profound shift from a state of guardedness to one of openness. Initially, they reveal a past self that was "protected" by a "shield," a deliberate choice made to manage the "joy and the pain." This defense mechanism, however, is now being consciously lowered, leading to a heightened sense of awareness and a feeling of being "defenceless" but happier. The act of lowering the shield is presented not as a loss of protection, but as a gain in sensory experience and a deeper connection to oneself. The central tension lies in the contrast between the perceived safety of being protected and the richer, albeit more vulnerable, experience of being open. The repeated phrase "I never used to let it down" emphasizes the long-held nature of this defense. This stubbornness is now being challenged by a need "to see what's realy inside of me," suggesting that the shield was not only protecting from external threats but also from internal exploration. The lyrics imply that true understanding and emotional depth require this vulnerability. The most striking craft element is the direct equation of "defenceless" with happiness and heightened senses. This subverts the common association of defenselessness with weakness or danger. Instead, the lyrics propose that shedding the "shield" allows for a more authentic engagement with life, even acknowledging the potential for encountering the "malicious" and "vicious." This willingness to face potential harm is framed as a necessary step towards understanding and experiencing life more fully, suggesting that suspicion itself was a form of self-imposed limitation. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they articulate a common human struggle: the fear of vulnerability versus the desire for genuine connection and self-discovery. The narrator's journey from a "protected" state to one of "defenceless" awareness, despite the acknowledgment of potential pain and malice, offers a compelling argument for embracing openness. The final lines, "I'll have to overcome the pain the best that i can," underscore that this path isn't easy, but the perceived reward – a heightened soul and awareness – makes the effort worthwhile.