Totally
Inhaler
The Agony of Miscommunication and Unresolved Emotions
Inhaler's song "Totally" delves into the complexities of a relationship marred by miscommunication and emotional disconnection. The opening lines, "Oh, I am totally blind / You are totally deaf," set the stage for a narrative where both parties are unable to truly understand or connect with each other. This metaphor of blindness and deafness symbolizes their inability to see each other's perspectives or hear each other's needs, creating a chasm that they can't seem to bridge. The mention of a single cigarette left when one asks for a smoke further emphasizes the scarcity and limitations within their relationship.
As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal a sense of frustration and helplessness. Despite talking until the Sun comes up, they still can't relate, and the repetition of the same song becomes a metaphor for their stagnant and repetitive arguments. The chorus, with its poignant question, "Why does it hurt me so much?" captures the emotional pain and confusion that comes from loving someone yet feeling perpetually misunderstood and disconnected. This recurring question underscores the theme of unresolved emotions and the agony of not being able to let go.
The song also touches on themes of madness and dreams, suggesting that both individuals might be losing their grip on reality due to their emotional turmoil. The lines, "I could be totally mad / You could be going insane," highlight the mental strain that their relationship is causing. The final verses express a desire for control and understanding, yet acknowledge the futility of these desires. The repeated plea for an explanation of the pain encapsulates the universal struggle of trying to make sense of heartache and the difficulty of moving on from a relationship that has left deep emotional scars.