Carry the Zero Lyrics

Lyric discussion by skyerose 

Cover art for Carry the Zero lyrics by Built to Spill

Part of the beauty in lyricism is that it'll be interpreted in vastly different ways by different people, as is with all art.

For me, this song reminds me of helping a friend through a break-up with someone they got back together with. This cycle repeated many times.

You don't want to criticize your friend for getting back with this person. But, when you hear time & time again how the relationship feels so wrong, you can't validate them and be their "apologist" forever.

They criticize the person they are with. Yet when they return, they essentially "okay" their partners behavior, becoming a "fraction of the sum," watering down their true self to fit into this persons life.

Insecurity is often a factor when it comes to toxic relationships. You become so occupied with what your partner thinks of you, and vice versa. This can become consuming to the point you no longer question what you think of yourself.

At a certain point, I "pushed too hard" when trying to advise my friend on leaving. I can no longer give advice or guidance, out of fear that our friendship will fall apart.

You have to let people learn on their own, and make mistakes. Despite the pain of seeing them spiral.

Negative
Subjective
Pain
Insecurity
Consumed
Fear
Toxic Relationships
Friendship
Self-discovery
Mistakes
Letting Go