Lyric discussion by fredfurner 

Cover art for What's This Life For lyrics by Creed

Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti said during an interview that the song was written after the suicide of a close friend. The song is about youth who are raised without knowing their purpose, being depressed about tough incidents in their life and having no world view to ground themselves. Without the ground, they fall deeper and deeper into depression, eventually becoming suicidal.

"Hurray for a child that makes it through If there's any way, because the answer lies in you. They're laid to rest, before they've known just what to do Their souls are lost, because they could never find what's this life for."

The lyrics indicate dissatisfaction with the seeming injustice of the situation. He's saying that those kids that make it through adolescence without depression are able to because they've been taught by their parents/teachers that they were created with purpose and life is not meaningless, but those that aren't sometimes commit suicide.

"I see your soul it's kind of gray You see my heart, you look away You see my wrist, I know your pain I know your purpose on your plane"

Scott seems to indicate he identifies with the depression and suicidal thoughts of some youth because he has attempted suicide before also (at least metaphorically). But that he found his purpose, and he knows youth who might be listening also have a purpose.

Knowing from other interviews and from lyrics in other songs, Creed has a Christian world view, and it seems the lyrics:

"But they ain't here anymore Don't have to settle no goddamned score Because we all live under the reign of one king"

indicate that no matter how mad he may be at the loss, and how he may blame his deceased friend's parents/guardians for not teaching him that he has worth and was created with a purpose, there is no sense in seeking retribution, because God is in control and all things work for good and according to God's will, even though we may not understand it.

Song Meaning
Negative
Subjective
Sadness
Disgust
Depression
Purpose
Suicide
Christianity
Hope