What The Hell Have I

Alice In Chains' song 'What The Hell Have I' delves into the emotional turmoil and existential questioning that often accompany significant life changes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the difficulty of starting over, feeling the weight of past mistakes and the distance growing between themselves and others. The opening lines, 'The face before me flies / Laughs at me inside,' suggest a sense of inner conflict and self-doubt, as if the protagonist is haunted by their own reflection or past actions.

The recurring theme of masks and hidden truths, as seen in 'Masks are made to hide the glow / Shining eyes,' indicates a struggle with authenticity and the facade people often put up to protect themselves. This imagery is powerful, as it highlights the disconnect between one's true self and the persona they present to the world. The line 'Distance 'tween us grows / Feeding lies' further emphasizes the growing chasm between the protagonist and those around them, fueled by deception and misunderstanding.

The chorus, 'It's hard to start things over / You can feel the fire around us / All the time,' encapsulates the central theme of the song. The 'fire' symbolizes the constant pressure and intensity of trying to rebuild one's life amidst chaos and emotional upheaval. The repetition of this line underscores the relentless nature of this struggle. The closing lines, 'What the hell have I? / Little pride,' reflect a moment of introspection and self-criticism, questioning the worth of their efforts and the remnants of their pride. This song captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of someone facing the daunting task of starting anew, making it a poignant and relatable piece for many listeners.