Wires
Summary
"Wires" by The Neighbourhood dives into the struggles of feeling trapped and defeated. It explores themes of mental health, regret, and the burden of expectations.
Full Analysis
The song paints a vivid picture of someone who feels overwhelmed by life. The "wires" symbolize the pressures and constraints that hold them back. It’s about the pain of watching someone you care about struggle with their demons, and how that affects your own mental state. The blend of personal reflection and a sense of helplessness makes the song relatable to anyone who's faced tough times.
Verse 1
We talked about making it, I'm sorry that you never made it
And it pains me just to hear you have to say it
You knew the game and played it, it kills to know that you have been defeated
I see the wires pulling while you're breathing
This opening verse sets the stage for a heartfelt conversation. The speaker reflects on dreams and aspirations, feeling sorrow for a friend who didn't achieve them. There's a sense of shared experience here; they both knew the challenges. The mention of "wires" suggests something deeper at play, hinting at unseen forces that can control a person's life, making the defeat feel even heavier.
Chorus
If he said, help me kill the president
I'd say, he needs medicine
Sick of screaming let us in, the wires got the best of him
All that he invested in, goes straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
Straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
The chorus captures a feeling of frustration and urgency. The line about "killing the president" feels metaphorical, suggesting rebellion against authority or control. It shows the speaker’s concern for their friend’s mental state, implying that they’re really struggling and might need help. The repetition of "straight to hell" emphasizes a sense of hopelessness, suggesting that all efforts seem to be in vain.
Verse 2
He told me I should take it in, listen to every word he's speaking
The wires getting older, I can hear the way they're creaking
As they're holding him, well, I could see it in his jaw that all he ever wanted was a job
He tells me to be raw, admits to every little flaw
In this verse, there's a shift towards the friend's perspective. They seem to be giving advice, but there's a heaviness in their words. The "creaking wires" reflect weariness, as if the struggles have become too much to bear. The mention of wanting a job highlights a desire for purpose, yet it’s overshadowed by flaws and regrets. The friend’s honesty about their struggles shows vulnerability, but it’s also a cry for help.
Chorus
If he said, help me kill the president
I'd say, he needs medicine
Sick of screaming let us in, the wires got the best of him
All that he invested in, goes straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
Straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
Here, the chorus repeats, reinforcing the ongoing theme of despair. The urgency is palpable, as the speaker feels overwhelmed by their friend's plight. The "sick of screaming" line reflects frustration with communication and a desire for connection. It shows that they want to help, but feel powerless against the forces that have taken hold of their friend.
Bridge
*I'm having trouble in believing and I just started seeing / Light at the beginning of the tunnel, but he tells me that I'm dreaming / When he talks I
Full Lyrics
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And it pains me just to hear you have to say it
You knew the game and played it, it kills to know that you have been defeated
I see the wires pulling while you're breathing
You knew you had a reason, it killed you like diseases
I can hear it in your voice while you're speaking, you can't be treated
Mr. Know-It-All, had his reign and his fall
At least that is what his brain is telling all
If he said, help me kill the president
I'd say, he needs medicine
Sick of screaming let us in, the wires got the best of him
All that he invested in, goes straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
Straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
He told me I should take it in, listen to every word he's speaking
The wires getting older, I can hear the way they're creaking
As they're holding him, well, I could see it in his jaw that all he ever wanted was a job
He tells me to be raw, admits to every little flaw
That never let him sit upon the top
Won't tell me to stop, thinks that I should be a little cautious
Well, I can tell the wires pulled
If he said, help me kill the president
I'd say, he needs medicine
Sick of screaming let us in, the wires got the best of him
All that he invested in, goes straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
Straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
I'm having trouble in believing and I just started seeing
Light at the beginning of the tunnel, but he tells me that I'm dreaming
When he talks I hear his ghosts, every word they say to me
I just pray the wires aren't coming
If he said, help me kill the president
I'd say, he needs medicine
Sick of screaming let us in, the wires got the best of him
All that he invested in, goes straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
Straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
Straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)
Straight to hell, straight to hell (oh, oh)