Work This Time

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's song 'Work This Time' delves into themes of personal struggle, commitment, and the desire for change. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their own shortcomings while trying to mend a relationship. The opening lines, 'I knock hello / But I see that you've got hypothermia,' suggest a sense of urgency and concern. The metaphor of hypothermia indicates emotional coldness or distance, and the narrator's attempt to 'place a block to stop the rot' signifies a desperate effort to prevent further deterioration of the relationship.

The repeated line, 'Can never lay my whole head down,' reflects a sense of restlessness and inability to find peace. This could symbolize the narrator's internal conflict and guilt over their perceived laziness or past failures. However, the declaration, 'I know I'm lazy but baby I will work this time,' serves as a promise of change and determination to improve. This line encapsulates the central theme of the song: the struggle to overcome personal flaws and the commitment to making things right.

The lyrics also touch on the irony of living a life that one cannot fully articulate, as seen in the lines, 'It's kind of funny / That I live the poetry I can not write.' This suggests a disconnect between the narrator's experiences and their ability to express them, adding another layer of complexity to their emotional state. The song's blend of raw emotion, vivid metaphors, and a promise of change makes it a poignant exploration of personal growth and the challenges of maintaining a relationship.