For The Wicked

Friday Pilots Club's song 'For The Wicked' delves into the complex emotions of self-worth, vanity, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their own mistakes and the superficial aspects of life. The opening lines, 'Is there one more bar / Or one more mistake / To bring me back down,' suggest a sense of being trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, seeking solace in temporary distractions but ultimately feeling stuck and unfulfilled.

The recurring theme of 'vanity's for the wicked' highlights the emptiness of superficial pursuits and the longing for something more meaningful. The protagonist questions whether they are missed or wanted only when they are 'burning out,' indicating a deep-seated insecurity about their worth and the authenticity of their relationships. This sentiment is further emphasized in the lines, 'Petty things for the wicked but / Do you want me now that I'm burning out?' which reflect a yearning for genuine connection beyond the facade of vanity.

The song also touches on the idea of space and distance as a means of self-preservation and growth. The lines, 'A little space is all I need / Yeah, I think it’s all I need,' and 'Maybe space is what we need? / I think it’s what we need,' suggest that the protagonist believes that taking a step back from toxic relationships and environments might be necessary for healing and self-discovery. The imagery of 'a hole in the ground or talk of the town' and 'the arrow and doe, the guest and its host' further illustrates the internal conflict and the dance between self-destruction and the desire for acceptance.

Overall, 'For The Wicked' is a poignant exploration of the struggle to find self-worth amidst the distractions of vanity and the superficial aspects of life. It speaks to the universal human experience of seeking genuine connection and the need for space to grow and heal.