I agree with pr1nc355, who replied under martincr70's comment. It is definitely warning the listener about getting too caught up in their own lives and not listening to others. I think Jars of Clay is saying that sometimes people try to block out negativity with a positive outlook that causes them to miss the seriousness of the problem ("We watch television, but the sound is something else
Just a song played against the drama, so the hurt is never felt"). I think that it also talks about the effect this has on the other person who has a problem. When others kinda overlook others' problems because they don't want to deal with the pain or because they are too caught up in themselves the other person gets the feeling that they don't want to hear about their problems at all. And this feeling of neglection just makes them feel worse, and also causes a major communication problem in the relationship.
When you listen to the song the way it sounds is also telling of the meaning. The song is almost numbing-sounding, partially caused by the repeated line "headphones on...headphones on..." It just sorta is always there in the background, just as our own "headphones" are playing, blocking out real compassion and feeling towards others. The song makes you feel almost numb, just like people feel numb towards others' problems.
Oh, and if you think I'm totally wrong that's completely fine with me. I could very well be way off-base. Just thought I'd share my opinion on the song. I think it's brilliant, lyrically and musically. Really, the whole album is to be honest. One of the best ones I've ever boughten for sure (along with my Owl City albums).
I agree with pr1nc355, who replied under martincr70's comment. It is definitely warning the listener about getting too caught up in their own lives and not listening to others. I think Jars of Clay is saying that sometimes people try to block out negativity with a positive outlook that causes them to miss the seriousness of the problem ("We watch television, but the sound is something else Just a song played against the drama, so the hurt is never felt"). I think that it also talks about the effect this has on the other person who has a problem. When others kinda overlook others' problems because they don't want to deal with the pain or because they are too caught up in themselves the other person gets the feeling that they don't want to hear about their problems at all. And this feeling of neglection just makes them feel worse, and also causes a major communication problem in the relationship.
When you listen to the song the way it sounds is also telling of the meaning. The song is almost numbing-sounding, partially caused by the repeated line "headphones on...headphones on..." It just sorta is always there in the background, just as our own "headphones" are playing, blocking out real compassion and feeling towards others. The song makes you feel almost numb, just like people feel numb towards others' problems.
Oh, and if you think I'm totally wrong that's completely fine with me. I could very well be way off-base. Just thought I'd share my opinion on the song. I think it's brilliant, lyrically and musically. Really, the whole album is to be honest. One of the best ones I've ever boughten for sure (along with my Owl City albums).