Tempera

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of an artist grappling with their past ambitions and present reality, using art as a metaphor for self-expression and control. Initially, the narrator wanted to be a painter, using tempera to "hide my temperament." This suggests a desire to control or mask intense emotions, a theme that seems to carry through their artistic endeavors. The shift from painting to writing with a pen indicates an evolution in their creative outlet, but the underlying drive for artistic expression remains, asserting that ideas aren't limited by their presentation, as "ideas are crumpled, a crease doesn't decide." This highlights a core belief in the resilience and inherent value of creative thought, regardless of external imperfections. The central tension appears to be between the narrator's self-perception and how they are perceived by others, alongside a struggle with personal inhibitions. They acknowledge their own flaws, admitting "sometimes I understand people, I also do ugly things," but draw a line at certain behaviors, stating "What's not my business remains to be rejected." There's a sense of self-prescribed boundaries, contrasting their own controlled approach to life and medication with others who struggle more overtly. This self-awareness is coupled with a defiant stance against judgment, as they claim "My right pushes their awkwardness to the scrap heap." A particularly striking craft element is the consistent weaving of art-related terminology into personal reflections. The narrator uses phrases like "lyrical paint," "tempera," "acrylics," and references to canvases and easels to describe their creative process and emotional state. For instance, they state, "I don't use acrylics because they dry quickly," which, beyond the literal, suggests a preference for a more enduring or less volatile form of expression. This artistic lens is applied even to their social interactions and romantic life, creating a unique and cohesive metaphorical framework for their experiences.