I think this song to be about a shallowness of emotional expressions. The narrator is a sensitive man who grows "so weary I'll surrender". The narrator is also a conformist who will "let them lead the way" because he's afraid of conflict. Ultimately, the narrator equates solitude with safety from the threat of someone breaking through his facade of emotional strength.
Instead of the world holding him back from non-conformity as Java suggests, I think the narrator is holding himself back from being deep by clinging to "pre-written scenes" (trying to act cool). This is also evidenced by the world viewing him as "gracious [classy and refined] for my patience" despite his arrogant pride that masks the true depth of his torrential river of emotions.
I think this song to be about a shallowness of emotional expressions. The narrator is a sensitive man who grows "so weary I'll surrender". The narrator is also a conformist who will "let them lead the way" because he's afraid of conflict. Ultimately, the narrator equates solitude with safety from the threat of someone breaking through his facade of emotional strength.
Instead of the world holding him back from non-conformity as Java suggests, I think the narrator is holding himself back from being deep by clinging to "pre-written scenes" (trying to act cool). This is also evidenced by the world viewing him as "gracious [classy and refined] for my patience" despite his arrogant pride that masks the true depth of his torrential river of emotions.
oh brother, you are spot on
oh brother, you are spot on