Opposite Sides

Manchester Orchestra's 'Opposite Sides' delves into the emotional turmoil of a relationship where two individuals find themselves on conflicting paths. The song's lyrics reflect a deep sense of frustration and a desire for resolution. The opening lines, 'I want to make up my mind / I want to make you pay respectfully for all the lost time,' suggest a longing for clarity and a reckoning for past grievances. This sets the stage for a narrative where the protagonist grapples with the realization that they and their partner are fundamentally at odds.

The recurring line, 'I never stopped to look and see that we're on opposite sides,' underscores the theme of missed understanding and the painful acknowledgment of their differences. The partner's assertion that 'it's better alive' hints at a preference for facing the harsh truths of their situation rather than living in denial. This sentiment is met with the protagonist's resistance, as they struggle to reconcile their own perspective with that of their partner.

Throughout the song, there's a palpable tension between the desire to evolve and the instinct to hold onto familiar but flawed beliefs. The lines 'You want a hundred different reasons and a terrible lie' and 'abandon what you claim and evolve' highlight the internal conflict of wanting to change but being hindered by entrenched patterns. The repeated refrain of 'So get denied' serves as a stark reminder of the barriers to understanding and the difficulty of bridging the gap between opposing viewpoints. Ultimately, 'Opposite Sides' captures the essence of a relationship strained by divergent paths and the painful journey towards self-awareness and growth.