Outside Myself

K. D. Lang's song 'Outside Myself' delves into the profound experience of emotional disconnection and the struggle to reconnect with one's inner self. The opening lines, 'A thin ice covers my soul, my body's frozen and my heart is cold,' set the tone for a narrative of isolation and numbness. The imagery of ice and coldness metaphorically represents the singer's emotional state, suggesting a barrier that prevents warmth and connection. This theme is further explored as the singer searches for a way to 'unthaw,' indicating a desire to break free from this emotional paralysis.

The lyrics also touch on the transformation of love into fear, which 'veils my vision leaves my thought unclear.' This line suggests that past experiences or traumas have clouded the singer's ability to see clearly and feel deeply. The shift in eye color from blue to grey symbolizes a loss of vibrancy and hope, as the singer attempts to hide their true feelings. The repeated refrain, 'I've been outside myself for so long, every feeling I had is close to gone,' underscores the depth of this emotional estrangement, highlighting a sense of loss and longing for reconnection.

In the latter part of the song, the singer reflects on their past actions, describing themselves as 'a fool to worship just light when after all, it follows night.' This line suggests a realization that seeking only positive experiences (light) without acknowledging the darker aspects of life (night) has led to a superficial existence. The storm of the sun metaphorically represents a tumultuous period of enlightenment that ultimately leaves the singer feeling senseless and disconnected. Through this introspective journey, 'Outside Myself' captures the complexity of human emotions and the challenging path to self-awareness and healing.