Achin' to Be

This song explores the themes of isolation and the desire for understanding. It paints a picture of someone who's creative but feels invisible. The artist’s struggle reflects a broader human experience – wanting to connect and be seen, yet feeling misunderstood. The repetition of “achin’ to be” really drives home that yearning for recognition and authenticity.

Verse 1

Well she's kind of like an artist
Sittin' on the floor
Never finishes, she abandons
Never shows a soul

This verse introduces the main character as someone who embodies the essence of an artist. The imagery of sitting on the floor suggests a sense of vulnerability and rawness. The idea that she never finishes her work hints at a deeper struggle with commitment or self-doubt. By not sharing her art, she remains trapped in her own world, reflecting a common fear artists face, fear of rejection or not being understood.

Chorus

And she opens her mouth to speak and
What comes out's a mystery
Thought about, not understood
She's achin' to be

In the chorus, we see the central theme of the song unfold. The mystery of her words signifies a deeper emotional complexity. It suggests that even when she tries to express herself, she feels her thoughts don’t connect with others. The phrase “achin’ to be” captures that longing for existence and acceptance, making it relatable for anyone who has felt misunderstood.

Verse 2

Well she dances alone in nightclubs
Every other day of the week
People look right through her
Baby doll, check your cheek

This verse paints a vivid picture of loneliness in a crowd. Dancing alone in nightclubs symbolizes a desire to fit in but ultimately feeling invisible. It’s heartbreaking to think that even in social settings, she remains unnoticed. The line “Baby doll, check your cheek” adds a layer of concern, suggesting that even those close to her may not see her struggles.

Chorus

And she opens her mouth to speak and
What comes out's a mystery
Thought about, not understood
She's achin' to be

Repeating the chorus here reinforces the idea of being trapped in a cycle of unexpressed feelings. It emphasizes that her attempts at communication are still lost on others. This repetition deepens the emotional weight, reminding listeners of her ongoing struggle for recognition.

Verse 3

And she's kind of like a poet
Who finds it hard to speak
Poems come so slowly
Like the colors down a sheet

In this verse, the comparison to a poet highlights another layer of creative struggle. It suggests that her thoughts are rich but hard to articulate. The slowness of her poems mirrors a frustrating process many creatives endure. This connection between art and communication shows how intertwined our identities can be with our ability to express ourselves.

Chorus

She opens her mouth to speak and
What comes out's a mystery
Thought about, not understood
She's achin' to be

Once again, the chorus emphasizes the mystery of her expression. Each repetition adds to the weight of her unvoiced thoughts, reinforcing the theme of longing for understanding. It’s like a mantra of her frustration, echoing throughout the song.

Verse 4

I've been achin' for a while now, friend
I've been achin' hard for years

Here, the perspective shifts slightly, as the speaker admits their own pain. This connection creates a bond with the artist. It’s a reminder that the feelings of longing and isolation aren’t just hers; they’re universal. It makes the song feel more personal and relatable.

Verse 5

Well she's kind of like an artist
Who uses paints no more
You never show me what you're doing
Never show a soul

The imagery of an artist who no longer paints underscores a sense of loss. It suggests she’s given up on her creative outlet, which can be devastating for someone who identifies as an artist. The plea to “never show a soul” highlights the distance she feels, as if her creativity has become a secret she can’t share.

Verse 6

Well, I saw one of your pictures
There was nothin' that I could see
If no one's on your canvas
Well, I'm achin' to be

In this verse, the speaker reflects on a moment of connection, yet there's disappointment in the emptiness of what’s presented. It shows that art needs an audience to be alive, and without it, the artist feels incomplete. The longing to be part of her world reinforces the theme of ache for connection.

Chorus

She closes her mouth to speak and
Closes her eyes to see
Thought about an' only loved
She's achin' to be
Just like me

The final chorus wraps everything together. The act of closing her mouth and eyes suggests a retreat into herself, a resignation to her pain. The line “just like me” is powerful, tying the speaker’s experience directly to hers. It’s a realization that both are in this struggle together, reinforcing the connection between them.

Closing Thoughts

"Achin' to Be" resonates deeply with anyone who has felt the weight of unexpressed emotions. It beautifully captures the struggle of artists and individuals alike, who crave understanding but often feel invisible. The song is a reminder of how important it is to connect with one another and to share our stories, even when it's hard.