I think this song deals with a common theme that Brandon often talks about (both in song and in interviews) which is allowing yourself to live a life of expression and freedom from fear of how others might judge you. It can be easy to let this fear control every aspect of your life, from the petty things like how you dress, to more major decisions like what you do for a living or where you live. Without even realizing it, many people make these decisions based on what they feel is expected of them (go to college, get a job nearby, etc) rather than what they may have done if there was no one judging their decisions (maybe travel the world, pursue a life of art, move somewhere radically different).
If I am even remotely close with my interpretation, I see the song as a person looking at society as an onlooker, and feeling very distant from it. The temptation is to smother this feeling and attempt to blend with society, but the song is suggesting it is better to find a way to express these feelings and truly be yourself, instead of who you feel you should be (There is a noise inside of me / That bustles asymmetrically / Oh how have I to balance / Those sounds into a song )
In the chorus he is saying that while it can be difficult to do this ("it takes courage and control"), rather than fight it you simply have to "let go" of all your attachments to the person you are pretending to be and you will find yourself in what is left.
Anyways that is what I took from this song. It's so simple and beautiful I love it. The lyrics on this album are incredible.
I so sick of this type of shit that flows over your lips. Do you really believe it or have you just spent so many decades perfecting your spiel that you finally have bought the bill of goods some moron (such as yourself) sold you. Society has norms; deal with it. And most, if you're honest (which you aren't apparently) are in the individual's best interest. One has to look at his/her motivation for actions. If the motivation is based on fear and/or deceit than how s/he behaves is NOT honest and it's not an expression of freedom. S/he has...
I so sick of this type of shit that flows over your lips. Do you really believe it or have you just spent so many decades perfecting your spiel that you finally have bought the bill of goods some moron (such as yourself) sold you. Society has norms; deal with it. And most, if you're honest (which you aren't apparently) are in the individual's best interest. One has to look at his/her motivation for actions. If the motivation is based on fear and/or deceit than how s/he behaves is NOT honest and it's not an expression of freedom. S/he has caved into fear and is leading a life of mascarade. Why? Because it's easy. It's routine. It takes little courage and even littler effort. S/he is a slave to fear. S/he's not strong or an individual. S/he's a faker. And s/he's weak. And s/he's settled. Who s/he once was died long ago only nobody has told her and she apparently can't see it for her/himself. S/he gave up on true freedom when s/he gave up on herself and caved to her/his fears. She exists from one predetermined moment to the next all in the name of individualty and freedom when the reality is the opposite. S/he has scripted her life and has caged her/himself. What f-ing gets me the most is that s/he was probably once much stronger until s/he decided to settle; s/he found the fastest, easiest route to temporary happiness (extremely shortlived happiness, if s/he's even capable of it) and then spent years convincing her/himself that she's this wild, fun, free, individual not held down by societal norms. Well, guess what. Nobody who lies to themselves and who is held back from both fear and the truth is FREE.
I think this song deals with a common theme that Brandon often talks about (both in song and in interviews) which is allowing yourself to live a life of expression and freedom from fear of how others might judge you. It can be easy to let this fear control every aspect of your life, from the petty things like how you dress, to more major decisions like what you do for a living or where you live. Without even realizing it, many people make these decisions based on what they feel is expected of them (go to college, get a job nearby, etc) rather than what they may have done if there was no one judging their decisions (maybe travel the world, pursue a life of art, move somewhere radically different).
If I am even remotely close with my interpretation, I see the song as a person looking at society as an onlooker, and feeling very distant from it. The temptation is to smother this feeling and attempt to blend with society, but the song is suggesting it is better to find a way to express these feelings and truly be yourself, instead of who you feel you should be (There is a noise inside of me / That bustles asymmetrically / Oh how have I to balance / Those sounds into a song )
In the chorus he is saying that while it can be difficult to do this ("it takes courage and control"), rather than fight it you simply have to "let go" of all your attachments to the person you are pretending to be and you will find yourself in what is left.
Anyways that is what I took from this song. It's so simple and beautiful I love it. The lyrics on this album are incredible.
Nice interpretation there JuJuHound. I totally agree. Brandon Boyd rocks!
Nice interpretation there JuJuHound. I totally agree. Brandon Boyd rocks!
I so sick of this type of shit that flows over your lips. Do you really believe it or have you just spent so many decades perfecting your spiel that you finally have bought the bill of goods some moron (such as yourself) sold you. Society has norms; deal with it. And most, if you're honest (which you aren't apparently) are in the individual's best interest. One has to look at his/her motivation for actions. If the motivation is based on fear and/or deceit than how s/he behaves is NOT honest and it's not an expression of freedom. S/he has...
I so sick of this type of shit that flows over your lips. Do you really believe it or have you just spent so many decades perfecting your spiel that you finally have bought the bill of goods some moron (such as yourself) sold you. Society has norms; deal with it. And most, if you're honest (which you aren't apparently) are in the individual's best interest. One has to look at his/her motivation for actions. If the motivation is based on fear and/or deceit than how s/he behaves is NOT honest and it's not an expression of freedom. S/he has caved into fear and is leading a life of mascarade. Why? Because it's easy. It's routine. It takes little courage and even littler effort. S/he is a slave to fear. S/he's not strong or an individual. S/he's a faker. And s/he's weak. And s/he's settled. Who s/he once was died long ago only nobody has told her and she apparently can't see it for her/himself. S/he gave up on true freedom when s/he gave up on herself and caved to her/his fears. She exists from one predetermined moment to the next all in the name of individualty and freedom when the reality is the opposite. S/he has scripted her life and has caged her/himself. What f-ing gets me the most is that s/he was probably once much stronger until s/he decided to settle; s/he found the fastest, easiest route to temporary happiness (extremely shortlived happiness, if s/he's even capable of it) and then spent years convincing her/himself that she's this wild, fun, free, individual not held down by societal norms. Well, guess what. Nobody who lies to themselves and who is held back from both fear and the truth is FREE.
And for gawd's sake, shut the f up period! Please. Your dishonesty makes me want to vomit.
And for gawd's sake, shut the f up period! Please. Your dishonesty makes me want to vomit.