Not Half Right

Heatmiser's song 'Not Half Right' delves into the complex emotions surrounding self-perception, unfulfilled dreams, and the disillusionment that often accompanies them. The lyrics open with a sense of self-doubt and a longing for an idealized version of oneself. The line 'Well you shouldn't doctor yourself / Well I pictured somebody else' suggests a struggle with identity and the pressure to conform to an ideal that feels unattainable. This theme is further emphasized by the imagery of someone who 'looks like what I look like,' indicating a desire to be someone else or to meet certain expectations.

The song also explores the impact of these internal conflicts on relationships. The lines 'Would you say that the one of your dreams / Got in you and ripped out the seams' and 'He was a soccer for your double dose / Mother fucker turned white as a ghost' paint a vivid picture of betrayal and disappointment. The use of harsh language and stark imagery underscores the intensity of these emotions. The repeated question 'Don't you say hi?' hints at a sense of isolation and the breakdown of communication, further highlighting the emotional distance between the speaker and others.

As the song progresses, the sense of disillusionment becomes more pronounced. The lines 'With a broken sink for a face / And a head that just takes up space' convey a feeling of worthlessness and the idea that the person in question is 'not half right.' This phrase is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing the theme of inadequacy. The closing lines 'Cuz when I talk to you on the phone / Well it's just like being alone' encapsulate the loneliness and futility that permeate the song. Ultimately, 'Not Half Right' is a poignant exploration of the struggle to reconcile one's self-image with reality and the emotional toll it takes on relationships and personal well-being.