Broken Jaw

Foster The People's song 'Broken Jaw' delves into the complexities of self-identity, confusion, and the struggle to understand oneself and others. The repeated phrase 'I've broken every law, all the words come out my broken jaw' suggests a sense of rebellion and the difficulty of expressing oneself clearly. The broken jaw metaphorically represents the fractured state of the narrator's communication and perhaps their mental state. This theme of confusion is further emphasized by the lines 'I don't know anything, but then I act like I know everything,' highlighting the internal conflict between perceived knowledge and actual understanding.

The chorus, 'Everyday I'm fighting cause I can't read you, lost in the moment, then I come back down,' captures the ongoing battle to connect with others and the frustration of miscommunication. The narrator feels lost and disconnected, trying to reach out but constantly being pulled back into a state of confusion. This struggle is not just with others but also within themselves, as they grapple with their memories and the remnants of their past ('I'm drifting further from my memories').

The song also touches on themes of waiting and hope. The lines 'Sometimes you find yourself waiting, waiting for someone to come around, and it's hopeless, hoping to be found' reflect the longing for understanding and connection. Despite the hopelessness, there is a glimmer of hope when someone arrives and offers validation ('Then it arrives and says: You're perfect, my love'). However, this validation is fleeting, as the repeated 'You said: I don't know' underscores the uncertainty and lack of definitive answers. The song ends on a note of seeking healing and redemption, with the plea to 'find and heal my broken jaw,' symbolizing the desire to mend the fractured parts of oneself and achieve clarity.