Policy of Trust

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of internal conflict, oscillating between a sense of urgent vitality and a paralyzing hesitancy. The narrator observes others who seem to possess an innate "pulse," a drive that propels them forward, while they themselves grapple with "waiting too well" or "too late." This creates a tension between action and inaction, a feeling that time is slipping away, especially with the recurring thought, "When I get old I will." The central tension seems to revolve around a perceived lack of a "policy of truth" and a hesitant belief. The repeated assertion, "I never said there's a policy of truth / I never said that I don't believe it," suggests a complex relationship with honesty and conviction. It’s not a straightforward denial of truth, nor an outright embrace of it, but a nuanced position that leaves the narrator feeling uncertain and perhaps defensive. The most striking aspect of the craft is the insistent repetition of key phrases, particularly the denial of a "policy of truth" and the contemplation of aging. This creates a hypnotic, almost incantatory effect, hammering home the narrator's internal debate and their struggle to define their own stance. The contrast between the "pulse" others feel and the narrator's "waiting" highlights this internal friction. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw portrayal of indecision and self-doubt. The ambiguity surrounding the "policy of truth" and the narrator's passive observation of others' momentum make the listener question their own certainties. It’s a powerful evocation of feeling stuck between what one knows and what one believes, and the fear of looking back with regret.