Nothin' Song

Alice In Chains' 'Nothin' Song' delves into the monotony and existential dread that can accompany the daily grind. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, particularly the recurring line 'Began this take at 7:38,' emphasizes the cyclical and seemingly endless nature of routine. The protagonist's head hitting the board and the subsequent ache symbolize the physical and mental toll of working late hours, questioning the value and purpose of such relentless effort. This repetition mirrors the feeling of being stuck in a loop, where each day blends into the next without any significant change or progress.

The chorus, 'The nothin' song sticks to your mouth like peanut butter on the brain,' uses a vivid metaphor to describe the inescapable and cloying nature of this existential ennui. Peanut butter, known for its sticky and lingering texture, represents thoughts that are hard to shake off, much like the persistent feeling of 'nothingness' that the song conveys. The line 'Nothin' ever stays the same' adds a layer of irony, suggesting that while life is inherently dynamic, the protagonist's experience feels static and unchanging.

The verses introduce surreal and absurd imagery, such as 'Wearing cowhide, steak on a skate' and 'Snap her neck or trade in for new make,' which further illustrate the disorientation and absurdity of the protagonist's state of mind. These lines could be interpreted as a critique of consumer culture and the dehumanizing aspects of modern life, where even living beings are reduced to disposable commodities. The song's conclusion, with its repeated 'Nothin',' reinforces the theme of emptiness and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.