Go
blink-182
The Pain of Unresolved Trauma in Blink-182's 'Go'
Blink-182's song 'Go' delves into the emotional turmoil and unresolved trauma experienced by the narrator, Mark Hoppus, during his childhood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a distressing moment in 1983, where the young Mark witnesses a confrontation between his mother and an angry man. This event is marked by fear and helplessness, as seen in the line, 'And saw the look of fear in my mother's eyes.' The repeated command 'Go, go, go, go!' signifies a desperate urge to escape the painful reality, yet the narrator admits, 'I don't wanna know,' indicating a reluctance to confront these traumatic memories.
The song further explores the theme of hopelessness through the mother's perspective. When she says, 'I'm sorry Mark but there's nowhere to stay,' it reflects a sense of defeat and resignation. Her decision to 'go back inside' and 'let the engine die' symbolizes giving up on escaping their dire situation. This moment is a poignant representation of how trauma can lead to a sense of entrapment and despair, affecting not just the individual but their loved ones as well.
The lyrics also touch on the broader question of injustice, as seen in the lines, 'Why do evil men get away with it' and 'Can't you see that I'm in a world of shit.' These lines express a deep frustration with the unfairness of life and the seeming impunity of those who cause harm. The repeated refrain, 'I don't wanna know,' underscores a desire to avoid facing these harsh realities, highlighting the emotional burden carried by those who have experienced trauma. Blink-182's 'Go' is a raw and powerful exploration of the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the struggle to cope with its aftermath.