Struck a Nerve Lyrics

Lyric discussion by shokwave 

Cover art for Struck a Nerve lyrics by Bad Religion

this is about how the writer saw something that reminded him of his own view of the futility of life

the "i try to close my eyes" bridge is his inability to come to terms with his negative view on the world.

"i look to tomorrow for salvation ... a wave of doubt turns me to stone" is how he tries to remain hopeful despite knowing it's not going to get better...

basically, it's about knowing the world is getting worse, not being able to convince yourself otherwise, coming to terms with your own negativity, and then being reminded of it by some other sad example of life.