Give It a Name

Jerry Cantrell's song 'Give It a Name' delves into the complexities of identity and the human tendency to mask true selves with various roles and facades. The lyrics suggest that naming and confronting one's fears and hidden aspects is crucial for personal growth. The repeated phrase 'Give it a name' emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and externalizing these internal struggles, symbolized by the 'howling blue hound' that chases fears and hunts them down. This metaphorical hound represents the relentless pursuit of one's anxieties and the necessity of facing them head-on.

The song also touches on the idea that the roles we play in life can eventually become our identity. Cantrell sings, 'Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity, and in the end we are what we pretend to be.' This line highlights the danger of losing oneself in the personas we adopt, whether to fit societal expectations or to hide our true selves. The lyrics urge listeners to separate their true selves from the roles they play, suggesting that embracing harsh realities and truths, though painful, is essential for genuine self-discovery and freedom from fear.

Furthermore, the song's imagery of 'dockland' and 'backwoods' evokes a sense of isolation and introspection. These settings symbolize the internal landscapes where one's fears and hidden aspects reside. By bringing these elements to light and 'getting them out of your home,' Cantrell encourages a journey of self-awareness and authenticity. The song ultimately serves as a powerful reminder that confronting and naming our fears is a vital step towards embracing our true identity and achieving personal liberation.