Exit Wounds

Bad Omens' song 'Exit Wounds' delves deep into the emotional and psychological struggles of an individual who feels abandoned and betrayed. The opening lines, 'Dead on the inside / Raised by wolves in sheep's clothes,' set a dark tone, suggesting a person who has been deceived and left to fend for themselves. This imagery of wolves in sheep's clothing highlights the theme of betrayal by those who were supposed to be trustworthy. The protagonist, however, learns resilience from these harsh experiences, as indicated by the line, 'To get up when I fall to my knees.'

The song explores the transformation from victim to survivor, encapsulated in the metaphor 'Man makes monster, monster kills man.' This suggests a cycle of creation and destruction, where the protagonist becomes stronger and more formidable as a result of their suffering. The repeated assertion that 'Nobody's gonna hear you when you're calling for help' underscores a sense of isolation and the need for self-reliance. The protagonist's screams drowning out others' calls for help symbolize their overpowering pain and determination to be heard.

The chorus, 'How can you live before you die / When you're already dead on the inside,' questions the possibility of truly living when one feels emotionally numb or dead inside. This existential query reflects the internal battle of finding one's identity and purpose amidst profound inner turmoil. The defiant lines, 'Fuck that / Fuck this / If you're gonna burn a bridge / You better hold your breath and learn to swim,' convey a message of self-empowerment and the necessity of moving forward despite adversities. Ultimately, 'Exit Wounds' is a powerful anthem of overcoming betrayal, finding inner strength, and reclaiming one's identity in the face of overwhelming odds.