Why

Red Fang's song "Why" delves into the complexities of dealing with someone who is struggling with mental health issues. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the urgency and helplessness felt by those trying to support a loved one in distress. The opening lines, "It's time to hurry home / You know he can't be left alone," suggest a sense of responsibility and the need to be constantly vigilant. This sets the stage for a narrative that explores the emotional and psychological toll on both the person suffering and those around them.

The chorus raises existential questions that reflect the frustration and confusion inherent in trying to understand mental illness. Lines like "Why not try to fight at all? / Why not scale the skies?" suggest a yearning for solutions and a sense of futility when those solutions seem out of reach. The repeated questioning of "Why" underscores the lack of clear answers and the overwhelming nature of the situation. The metaphor of systems overflowing and drowning storms inside one's head poignantly captures the chaos and turmoil experienced by someone battling mental health issues.

The song also touches on the delicate balance of wanting to help but needing to protect oneself. The lines "Try to be an honest friend / Want to help but can't get too sucked in" highlight the difficulty of maintaining one's own mental health while trying to support someone else. The imagery of placing a mask on nose and chin to "steal the oxygen" serves as a metaphor for self-preservation. Ultimately, the song is a raw and honest exploration of the challenges, questions, and emotional struggles that come with trying to understand and help someone dealing with mental health issues.