Inertia

AJR's song "Inertia" delves into the concept of being stuck in a state of inaction, despite the desire for change. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has remained the same for a long time, symbolized by wearing the same skinny jeans since the age of fifteen. This metaphor suggests a resistance to change or growth, a common human experience where comfort and familiarity often trump the effort required to evolve.

The chorus introduces the scientific concept of inertia, which is the tendency of an object to remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. The protagonist in the song feels like an object in motion that has lost all emotion, indicating a sense of going through the motions of life without passion or purpose. The broken legs metaphor suggests a feeling of being incapacitated or hindered, yet there's a defiant tone with 'but look at me dance,' implying a resilience or a facade of normalcy despite the internal struggle.

Throughout the song, there are examples of the protagonist's intentions to make significant life changes, such as saving the planet or moving out of town, but these are always postponed due to various excuses. The repetition of 'where I am going is right where I am' emphasizes the theme of being stuck in one place, both physically and metaphorically. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of inertia in their own life, the difficulty of breaking free from routine, and the internal conflict between aspiration and reality.