Pearl In The Shell

This is one of those songs that can be read on several levels. On one level, he's lamenting about how so many creative people were stifled due to lack of confidence or other reasons. Because of seeing others fail, they don't go forward. On another level, this is about allowing fear and paranoia to control your life and not go for anything you want. There are other levels as well.

Wow! What a message in those central lines: "Under his nose was a dream come true / Been there all the time and he almost knew / Thoughts of people in misfortune stopped him doing things well / His duty was to use it - left his pearl in the shell"

To me, this represents the treasure ("pearl") that is within reach ("under his nose" -- or possibly within us) for many people (perhaps everyone to some degree). Yet so many people are like the man in the song, who seems to have an internalized social leveling mechanism: He chooses not to use his gift because others are not thriving -- either because they're not as fortunate as he is (don't have access to a "pearl") &/or, like the man, DO have gifts but choose not to use them -- possibly because they don't want to be the "tallest poppy" and get cut down or possibly because they'd feel bad to thrive while others suffer (even if their thriving does not cause or exacerbate others' suffering).

The sad irony of "leaving your pearl in the shell" is that it doesn't benefit you or anyone else -- it makes the world a poorer place and leaves you feeling frustrated and unfulfilled (and probably more unpleasant to be around than you'd be if you did fulfill your promise & utilize your gifts...or at least make an effort to do so). I see the man in the song as a cautionary tale...and a wake-up call to use your gifts -- namely, to not leave your pearl in the shell!