It sounds to me like a rockstar who realizes that being in a rock band/on tour isn't as glamorous as it's made out to be.
Deafened by sound, blinded by light can explain the aspect of being on tour. "Ugly when bold, boring when plain ... pussy when tender, and brutal when strong" can be about people criticizing their music (someone is always going to complain about their musical direction, regardless of what style they choose)
It sounds to me like a rockstar who realizes that being in a rock band/on tour isn't as glamorous as it's made out to be.
Deafened by sound, blinded by light can explain the aspect of being on tour. "Ugly when bold, boring when plain ... pussy when tender, and brutal when strong" can be about people criticizing their music (someone is always going to complain about their musical direction, regardless of what style they choose)