I think this song is empathetic (as in, helps you wear someone else's shoes for a while) without being sympathetic (as in, you still don't feel for the guy even after wearing those shoes). Which is really hard to do. I think it's about someone who is a little self-disgusted but too afraid to admit it, or do anything about it, or even take responsibility for it.
I think during the bridge, "and if I swallow anything evil/ stick your fingers down my throat", was a drug reference. He's basically admitting he has zero self control, so you're going to have to be the grown up if you're with him. "Keep me warm, let me wear your coat". You being warm isn't important. I'm the important one here.
Basically, I feel like it's a song about the kind of guy we all love to talk about and hate. It's about a powerful man-child that must be kept after like a child, yet won't ever show appreciation and will still feel superior to their caretaker. It could be about anyone from Lex Luthor to a heroine addict with a girlfriend that's given up her life to keep after him. But what makes this song special, is that it forces us inside this person's head, and forces us to admit that yes, sometimes, we are that way too, and we're about as eager to let others know about it as the villian this song is about when we notice.
I agree! It's the story of an actor; one who readily understands the emotions of others and only uses it as leverage, never truly feeling what they are going through. Manipulation, basically. Honestly, I think sympathy is much more humane. We can empathize and learn to help others resolve their issues, but sometimes it just takes someone who can really FEEL for you. A holistic approach to care, and not some rigid emulaiton, no? Or some pathetic ploy to get attention by "becoming" the character. Will have to look into actors who shaddow true people to better portray them on...
I agree! It's the story of an actor; one who readily understands the emotions of others and only uses it as leverage, never truly feeling what they are going through. Manipulation, basically. Honestly, I think sympathy is much more humane. We can empathize and learn to help others resolve their issues, but sometimes it just takes someone who can really FEEL for you. A holistic approach to care, and not some rigid emulaiton, no? Or some pathetic ploy to get attention by "becoming" the character. Will have to look into actors who shaddow true people to better portray them on the silver screen. I am obviously a little slow in that area, so the better to develop such weaknessess, for sure!
I think this song is empathetic (as in, helps you wear someone else's shoes for a while) without being sympathetic (as in, you still don't feel for the guy even after wearing those shoes). Which is really hard to do. I think it's about someone who is a little self-disgusted but too afraid to admit it, or do anything about it, or even take responsibility for it.
I think during the bridge, "and if I swallow anything evil/ stick your fingers down my throat", was a drug reference. He's basically admitting he has zero self control, so you're going to have to be the grown up if you're with him. "Keep me warm, let me wear your coat". You being warm isn't important. I'm the important one here.
Basically, I feel like it's a song about the kind of guy we all love to talk about and hate. It's about a powerful man-child that must be kept after like a child, yet won't ever show appreciation and will still feel superior to their caretaker. It could be about anyone from Lex Luthor to a heroine addict with a girlfriend that's given up her life to keep after him. But what makes this song special, is that it forces us inside this person's head, and forces us to admit that yes, sometimes, we are that way too, and we're about as eager to let others know about it as the villian this song is about when we notice.
I agree! It's the story of an actor; one who readily understands the emotions of others and only uses it as leverage, never truly feeling what they are going through. Manipulation, basically. Honestly, I think sympathy is much more humane. We can empathize and learn to help others resolve their issues, but sometimes it just takes someone who can really FEEL for you. A holistic approach to care, and not some rigid emulaiton, no? Or some pathetic ploy to get attention by "becoming" the character. Will have to look into actors who shaddow true people to better portray them on...
I agree! It's the story of an actor; one who readily understands the emotions of others and only uses it as leverage, never truly feeling what they are going through. Manipulation, basically. Honestly, I think sympathy is much more humane. We can empathize and learn to help others resolve their issues, but sometimes it just takes someone who can really FEEL for you. A holistic approach to care, and not some rigid emulaiton, no? Or some pathetic ploy to get attention by "becoming" the character. Will have to look into actors who shaddow true people to better portray them on the silver screen. I am obviously a little slow in that area, so the better to develop such weaknessess, for sure!