Bandaid On a Bullet Hole

Olivia O'Brien's song 'Bandaid On a Bullet Hole' delves into the emotional turmoil and resilience of someone dealing with deep emotional wounds. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has been hurt profoundly, symbolized by the metaphor of an arrow shot through the heart. The imagery of sewing up cuts and using tricks to cope highlights the struggle of healing from such pain. The protagonist is not a hero in the traditional sense but finds strength in their own ways to survive and keep going.

The song's chorus emphasizes the temporary and often inadequate solutions the protagonist employs to manage their pain. The repeated use of 'Band-Aid on a bullet hole' and 'duct tape on a broken bone' underscores the futility of these quick fixes. Despite knowing these methods are not true solutions, the protagonist continues to use them because they provide some semblance of relief. This reflects a common human experience where people use whatever means necessary to cope with their emotional and psychological wounds, even if those means are not ideal.

Olivia O'Brien's lyrics also touch on the theme of resilience. The line 'Makeup on my bruises, but somehow I'm still alive' speaks to the idea of masking pain and putting on a brave face despite the internal struggle. The song acknowledges the difficulty of healing and the reality that sometimes, just surviving is an achievement in itself. The protagonist's ability to keep going, even with makeshift solutions, highlights a form of strength and determination that is both relatable and inspiring.