Totally Fine

PUP's song 'Totally Fine' delves into the complex emotional landscape of someone grappling with feelings of despair, apathy, and existential dread. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is caught in a cycle of self-destructive behavior and emotional numbness. The opening lines set the stage with the protagonist hiding out in a parking lot, overwhelmed by a myriad of choices they regret not making. This sense of paralysis is further emphasized by their fixation on minor details and their inability to eat, sleep, or engage in any meaningful activity.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reveals a startling acceptance of their deteriorating mental state. They admit to feeling like they are 'slowly dying' but astonishingly, they 'don't even mind.' This line captures the essence of apathy that permeates the song. The protagonist's interactions with others, such as dialing a parent's landline on auto-pilot, highlight their disconnection from reality. The brutally honest feedback they receive—that life is unkind, but so are they—serves as a harsh mirror reflecting their own unkindness and perhaps their role in their current state.

The chorus underscores the internal conflict of the protagonist, who oscillates between feeling at their worst and being 'totally fine.' This dichotomy is a poignant commentary on the human condition, where people often mask their true feelings with a facade of normalcy. The repeated assertion that 'you're never totally fine' drives home the message that everyone struggles with their own demons, even if they appear to be managing on the surface. The song concludes with a resigned acknowledgment of this perpetual struggle, leaving listeners to ponder their own battles with mental health and emotional well-being.