Must Have Run All Day

Glassjaw's 'Must Have Run All Day' delves into the complexities of personal identity and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. The lyrics are cryptic and layered, reflecting the band's post-hardcore style, which is known for its emotional intensity and raw, unfiltered expression. The repeated lines, 'If it makes you, it takes you, I don't want to,' suggest a resistance to external pressures and influences that threaten to shape one's identity against their will. This resistance is further emphasized by the line, 'See your face when you feel not alive,' indicating a loss of self when succumbing to these pressures.

The imagery of 'lying in bed with the pride of a lion' juxtaposes vulnerability with strength, hinting at the internal conflict between maintaining one's pride and succumbing to external expectations. The phrase 'If you're shrewd enough to be underlined, then you are there' suggests that only those who are perceptive and discerning can truly understand and navigate these pressures. The repetition of 'If it's the last thing you do, plagiarize' introduces a paradox, where the act of copying or imitating is seen as a last resort, perhaps a critique of how society often values conformity over originality.

The final verse, where the boss advises to 'take my advice please instead, for one second, up off your knees,' underscores the theme of striving for authenticity. The line 'we are not the competition when we strive, we strive' suggests that true competition lies not in outdoing others but in the personal struggle to remain true to oneself. This message resonates with the band's broader ethos, which often challenges societal norms and encourages listeners to question and defy conventional expectations.