Beat Yourself Blind

Skid Row's 'Beat Yourself Blind' is a powerful critique of societal norms and the pressures to conform. The song opens with a sense of entrapment, as the narrator is 'wrapped in superstition' and seeks a chemical escape to dull the edge of reality. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores the struggle against the mind-numbing effects of societal expectations and the superficiality that often accompanies them.

The lyrics delve into the idea of being a 'slave' to these norms, carrying out tasks without questioning their purpose. The mention of 'general-know-it-all' juggling the earth suggests a critique of those in power who manipulate and control without genuine understanding or empathy. The imagery of teasing natives and shoving aside nations highlights the destructive consequences of blind obedience and the devaluation of cultures and communities.

The chorus, 'Beat yourself blind,' repeated multiple times, serves as a stark reminder of the self-inflicted ignorance that comes from closing one's mind to different perspectives and truths. The song paints a bleak picture of a society where individuals are reduced to 'suits in suspended animation,' mere outlines of what they once were. The metaphor of a piece of paper falling out a window, with no control over where it lands, underscores the randomness and lack of direction in a life lived without self-awareness.

In the latter part of the song, the imagery of bleeding in vain and painted skies underlines the futility and artificiality of such an existence. The boneyard and relics symbolize the remnants of a once-vibrant humanity, now reduced to 'handfuls of parasites thrown into machines.' The phone call about tearing down the mission and the zombies having a ball but not understanding its meaning further emphasize the loss of purpose and the hollow nature of conformist living.