Lyric discussion by Loudsilencekjp 

Cover art for Boxer lyrics by Gaslight Anthem, The

.....I actually believe Brian Fallon has deep seeded father issues, Love/Hate. Questions of whom he is, never addressed by observing his own blood. An absence of resolution is what is beating down this particular boxer. His lack of direction resulted in a collection of stolen emotions, an empathy above self revelation. A view right into complete strangers souls, reasons tears fell, fears that shackle us. Angst at the helm, navigating thru misguided years. Wisdom gained seated in the distance, observation of other human behaviors. Searching for his moment to be original. While this journey results in quite a collage of overlapping layered & complex view of the world. Obviously Its taken its unavoidable toll. A lonely vessel lost & cast into an ocean shed of a saltwater heart. Pride and prose are tools to fill in who he wanted others to perceive, wit and charm. Words are weapons that can heal as well. Who hasn't needed music to cover up deep wounds, no one else seems to notice. Rather we just are preoccupied with our own BLUES. Empathy is not a universal trait. Self discovery without the figure of the "father" to guide, that path is not traveled. No other soul knows another. Not like they want us to. In music we find sympathy that hides inside these "tough" men. Given way to the softer side regardless of outside judgement, the pen is the atom bomb to anyone who's got some "issues" they've been personally diagnosing, therapy is letting it just go. Even the things we want to keep for ourselves, the pain that laid claim to the frail structure beneath the bandaged skin. Until its let out its caged and were its prisoner. "Something holding you down." The whispers of constant self-loathing are louder than any ridicule children could throw into this open pit. The quiet type, with the blue eyes and uninterested disposition. This became Fallon's persona, whom he wanted to be identified as. A Loner, rough cut, the lover just out reach. No one can rescue you from your own demons, but all sure will try. He doesn't miss her? His mother, but will never lose her, she is in his framework. Very influenced by others view, he takes it on the chin without a word, till he finds that pen that leads to a voice hes held inside for far to long. We learn to live with it, till we let it go is the most repetitive theme in many of his "poems" HANDWRITTEN and laid out for all the world to witness. His freedom finally found, he is become the hunter not hunted by the regrets or disappointments hes felt. Finally, MOMENTS, live in them without letting them live in you. Don't waste your time torturing yourself for things that will never change their impact. Lessons. Of course this is a liberal and personal view. I find bandages in his prose and I'm sure he would be satisfied with being there to help us too rise from our own tragedies. Truly an artist that pours himself out on paper as if painting a canvas. With raw vivid imagery, unashamed of his version, acceptance and growth in pure harmonic hues. The Blues in every shade. Rhyme or reason I don't know or question beyond knowing that I personally have found courage, comfort & closure in the journey.

My Interpretation