Not Original

Sevendust's song "Not Original" delves into the internal conflict of maintaining one's authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. The lyrics express a deep sense of disillusionment and self-awareness, as the narrator grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to meet external expectations. The opening lines, "I sorta like deceiving / And all this tragic loss," suggest a complex relationship with honesty and the pain that comes with it. The desire to find patience but simultaneously kill off feelings indicates a struggle to balance emotional vulnerability with self-preservation.

The recurring refrain, "I'm not original anymore," highlights a profound sense of loss and identity crisis. This line suggests that the narrator feels they have lost their unique essence, perhaps due to societal pressures or personal failures. The metaphor of a "dead and dry" well symbolizes a depletion of creativity and inspiration, leading to a desperate plea for conflict as a means to feel alive again. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how people sometimes seek out chaos or drama to escape the monotony of their lives.

The song also touches on themes of vanity and self-destruction, as seen in the lines, "Do I start it over / Before I self-destruct / What’s the perfect way to say I’m lost?" This reflects a deep-seated fear of failure and the desire to reinvent oneself, even if it means starting from scratch. The mention of using words for war and chasing open doors further emphasizes the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that often feels hollow and unfulfilling. Overall, "Not Original" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the angst and existential dread that many people experience in their quest for authenticity.