The Depth of Self-Delusion Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Snoardur 

Cover art for The Depth of Self-Delusion lyrics by Riverside

Pretty awesome lyrics for this album all around. The general vibe is of non-conformism; a certain cynicism towards contemporary life: fleeting relationships, consumerism, among others.

In this case, I get the feeling that the writer is talking about the realization that he no longer desires to pursue a life that is sold or presented to him as a "promised land".

"One little brick, then another, and I will build that wall anyway"

(Reference to Roger Waters? Perhaps too farfetched) In any case he prefers peaceful isolation to living something that he considers a lie.

I think two parts are key to the general feeling of looking contemporary life with a critical eye:

"Look around where we are, who we are What we always want Twenty-four, seven, three sixty-five Sometimes little more I was chasing your shadow, not knowing I'd become your slave"

To me, this is clearly a reference to the "frantic day by day" lives we live. What the hell do we want? Chasing a shadow (see mainstream - conformist fed ideal) to only become a "new generation slave".

And this one:

"I've said a farewell to never-ending smiles I did not look good in red From my place I can finally see how much of this shade I called myself was me, and what was left behind"

For me, saying farewell to never-ending smiles, is seeing how much of a lie is the whole "feel good, be happy and keep on living life like nothing happens" belief we are so made to believe. Now he sees what a lie, a shadow he himself was for believing that.

Just saying.