Idiot Stare

The only relationship this song is about is one with chronic depression.

First verse

I played with the fire - this is living life with untreated depression. Stared at the light, screamed at the pain - this is confronting depression. Pushed to the centre - this is trying to bury it deep down inside so one can make it through another day. Took no advice, waited in vain - this is not seeking the help that others have recommended and waiting for things to get better, which they wont.

Third verse

I won't let it go - this again is avoiding the seeking of help. Hold it to me, it's mine to the end - this is knowing there is a problem and knowing it comes from oneself and holding on to it. A shadow that hugs me - this is the proverbial black cloud that hangs over those with depression. My black dog, my enemy friend - A dog is loyal and in most cases will not leave their owners. An enemy friend is someone who will do you harm, but who you continue to carry on a relationship with.

Chorus - This is obvious to anyone who has ever had chronic depression. These are the things that are experienced when depression strikes.

I don't know if I care - an overwhelming sense of apathy. I can't feel, I can't speak, I can't think Caught in an idiot stare

Those last 2 lines are the mental state of anyone who is currently in a bought of depression. They don't feel anything. They don't say anything. They don't think about anything. The only thing they do is stare at nothing.

The idiot part is knowing there is a problem but not doing anything about it.

I'm thinking it's about a situation where you're in a relationship where you're so intent on keeping it going that you're not thinking straight. You're not feeling or thinking, just reacting, holding on and keeping up appearances to the point of idiocy.