Ready To Change

Kodaline's song 'Ready To Change' delves into the internal conflict and hesitation that often accompany the desire for personal transformation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is aware of their need to change but is paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. The opening lines, 'Shots rang out, but there's no gun / Still you hurt on everyone,' suggest a sense of self-inflicted pain and the impact it has on those around them. This metaphorical 'gun' represents the internal battles and emotional wounds that are not visible but deeply felt.

The recurring theme of fear is evident in lines like 'You feel the knife in your gut / But you're so scared of what you want.' This imagery of a knife in the gut symbolizes the intense anxiety and fear of pursuing one's true desires. The person bites their lip and holds their tongue, indicating a reluctance to express their true feelings and intentions. The chorus reinforces this struggle, as the person stands on the edge, shouting that they are ready to change, but ultimately, they are not ready to take the leap.

The song also touches on the theme of disillusionment with oneself and others. The lines 'We got tired of your charms / And tired of your false alarms' suggest that the person's repeated promises of change have lost their credibility. The metaphor of a 'book that never turns its page' highlights the stagnation and lack of progress in their life. Despite the outward declarations of readiness, the person remains stuck in their old patterns, unable to make the necessary changes. Kodaline's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery capture the universal struggle of wanting to change but being held back by fear and doubt.