Lyric discussion by jarofsap 

Cover art for Shallow lyrics by Porcupine Tree

After painfully trying to decode to Deadwing story, I've learned that this song is pretty simply laid out, compared to the ambiguity of something like 'Glass Arm Shattering". And though I really try not to be one of those people who believes they identify with a song more than others, I think I've nailed this one. Someone tell me if I'm way off. This song, to me, sounds like the words of a girl I know. Socially damaged, trying to rationalize why not to enter into a relationship. This character seems to grown to hate the general public, and is trying to pass of pessemism as realism, by telling themselves they're better off alone. If all they allow themself to want is shallow then they can't be hurt by someone. I could go on in length, but to me, it just sounds like at this point in the story the character is rejecting the concept of a relationship with the other. Whether this be told from the male, or female's perspective.

It's from the main character's perspective, before meeting Elizabeth. He's probably just been rejected by some girl ("Don't use your gender to drive a stake right through my soul"), and he becomes really upset before he finally decides that she's just shallow, and tells himself to calm down ("Bite your tongue, ignore the splinter"). The lyrics of the verses are like him saying "How can she do this to me? Doesn't she know or care how lonely I am?"

Not Valid

hey jarofsap, nice catch on this one... it could be, i totally see it. it doesn't have to be about this girl, but maybe it would to fit the Deadwing story. not sure how "give it to me, give it to me" and "no good to me, not if you bleed" fit that though, haha! maybe a change in perspective...? i really have no clue, im not thinkin hard enough -_-

Not Valid

Eh, I guess it isn't the most positive thing that I relate to this song, is it? Haha.

Not Valid