Dead & Bloated

Stone Temple Pilots' 'Dead & Bloated' is a song that delves into themes of mortality, self-perception, and the struggle with personal identity. The repeated line 'I am smellin' like the rose that somebody gave me on my birthday deathbed' juxtaposes the freshness and vitality of a rose with the morbid imagery of a deathbed. This contrast may symbolize how the protagonist feels alive in some aspects, like receiving gifts and being celebrated, while simultaneously feeling dead or stagnant in other areas of life. The rose could also represent the fleeting nature of fame or success, which is often given by others and can feel superficial or hollow.

The phrase 'I am dead and bloated' suggests a state of emotional numbness or a sense of being overwhelmed, possibly by the pressures of life or the expectations of others. The song's narrator expresses a feeling of being trampled underfoot, indicating a loss of control or agency. This could be a metaphor for the music industry or personal relationships where one feels used or undervalued. The line 'You can't swallow what I'm thinkin'' implies that the narrator's thoughts or feelings are too complex or disturbing to be fully understood or accepted by others.

The recurring idea of running through the world thinking about tomorrow captures a sense of restlessness and the pursuit of something beyond the present moment. It reflects a desire to escape the current state of being 'dead and bloated' and to find meaning or purpose in the future. The song, with its grunge rock sound, encapsulates the angst and disillusionment that were prevalent in the early 1990s, resonating with listeners who felt disconnected from the societal norms of the time.