I'm So Tired

This is likely the most depressing song ever written.

I just love the line, "this time I've lost my own return in spite of everything I've learned." It so perfectly describes how someone with chronic depression feels when they reach the lowest of their lows. Despite all the ways you've learned to cope with those dark feelings in the past, it feels impossible to retrace your steps and find a way out. It's quite comforting to know that you're not alone in those feelings -- that at least someone else has been through the same thing.

Unfortunately it seems he's intentionally "hid[den] [his] tracks", to make it impossible to return from depression. Suicide is right around the corner from there -- a fact underscored by the following line, "stripped of all my cares." For anyone who's been severely depressed, you know that's the final stage before a suicide attempt -- that realization of total numbness and indifference. It's the absolute bottom. And while quite liberating to dissociate and escape the pain in that way, there's no more energy -- "no more struggle". It's an incredibly dangerous point to reach.

So, basically, if you have this song in heavy rotation, you need to talk to someone. Depression sucks, and there is a way out. Don't hide your tracks back from depression ... don't stop struggling ... just learn from each episode how to bring yourself back. The more you pay attention to how you heal from your depressive phases, the stronger you become at handling those feelings. Eventually the lows aren't so low, and the darkest periods disappear for good.

I have this song in heavy rotation and dont feel that I am that depressed. It is such a beautiful song and it is less than 2 min long...great for ending a mellow mix tape/cd. The lyrics dont do this song...you have to hear it.

I agree with the suicide interpretation...especially when you consider the last stanza. "No more struggle, no more energy" "It's all too crazy and I'm not sticking 'round". Obviously, he plans to end it all.

The first stanza is saying that he has isolated himself from the world (similar to the theme of Pink Floyd's "The Wall"). The second stanza could refer to drug use, but I think amw's interpretation is probably correct.

I accidently stumbled upon this song while looking for the Beatles song of the same title. I think this song is sad and yet beautiful.

If anyone can get me the notes for the piano for this song, I would love you and give you a cookie.

I thought the line "I hid my tracks"is referring to needle marks... Is this song about Heroin.. that was my assumption.

"i'm so tired sheep are counting me"....beautiful. great song.

I am almost certain about it not being about drugs, being that ian mckaye coined the term straight-edge, and as far as the depression thing goes i see it as more of an escape from society, him being so tired of all the jealousy and mental death that occurs, he slips away and covers his path so he can't be found

amazing that Ian could go from the raw, frenetic unharnessed energy of Minor Threat to this. Its so fragile and delicate sounding that it genuinely sounds like a suicide note. Ian excels himself on vocals here. Did he play the piano too?

seems like he could be behind bars.

or a looney bin