Check My Brain

Alice In Chains' song 'Check My Brain' delves into the complex emotions and experiences of relocating to California, a place often associated with dreams and new beginnings. The opening lines, 'So I found myself in the sun, oh yeah / A hell of a place to end a run, oh yeah,' suggest a sense of finality and a new chapter in the narrator's life. The sun, a symbol of California, represents both warmth and exposure, hinting at the dual nature of this transition. The repeated plea, 'Somebody check my brain,' underscores a feeling of disorientation and the need for validation in this new environment.

The lyrics 'I walk these streets, I creep and I fall, oh yeah / When she sang I answered the call, oh yeah' reflect the narrator's struggle to adapt and find their footing. The streets of California, often romanticized, are depicted as challenging and unforgiving. The mention of answering a call when 'she sang' could be a metaphor for the allure of California's promises, whether they be career opportunities, personal growth, or escape from past troubles. Yet, the repeated refrain 'California, I'm fine' juxtaposed with 'Somebody check my brain' suggests a conflict between outward appearances and internal turmoil.

The lines 'Aaaaah tears have filled my bones / Aaaaah years expended gone' convey a deep sense of loss and the passage of time. The narrator's journey is marked by sacrifices and emotional burdens, symbolized by 'tears' and 'years expended.' The act of 'hanging my guns and putting them away' signifies a surrender or a decision to leave behind a previous way of life. The 'trick of the trade' hints at the survival tactics needed to navigate this new world. Ultimately, 'Check My Brain' is a poignant exploration of the highs and lows of seeking a fresh start in a place that is both a paradise and a battleground for the soul.