What You Are

Song Meaning

The lyrics to "What You Are" immediately plunge the listener into a world of conflicting influences. The opening lines paint a picture of being "Pulled from the innocence" by both supportive and deceitful forces. A guiding voice quickly emerges, urging the listener to "Let your minds lead the way" and embrace authenticity. This journey, however, is not presented as easy. The speaker warns of a "long hard road" but offers unwavering presence, promising, "Look for me under red sky." This creates a powerful tension: a call for self-reliance balanced with the comfort of knowing there's a constant, watchful eye. The craft here lies in the nuanced advice, often presenting a paradox. "Be yourself but don't abstain" encourages individuality while demanding active engagement. The ultimate directive to "Introspection - what you are" is then surprisingly tempered by a later plea: "Look to me, not yourself, come to me." This suggests that true self-discovery might require both deep internal work and external guidance, especially in a "world that's not giving." Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they offer a realistic, tough-love approach to personal growth. They acknowledge the harsh realities of life while championing self-definition and decisive action. The call to "Stop your wasted dreaming" and embrace a "new beginning" resonates as a pragmatic, urgent push to live fully and purposefully.