Around The Railing

Superheaven's song 'Around The Railing' delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the emotional burdens they often carry. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a chaotic home environment, symbolized by the messy living room. This setting serves as a metaphor for the internal disarray the narrator feels. The mention of the mother coming home with a friend suggests a sense of neglect or abandonment, further intensifying the narrator's emotional struggle.

The recurring lines 'It's bad enough, I don't need anything, least of all, this' highlight the narrator's overwhelming sense of despair and frustration. This sentiment is compounded by the relationship with a sibling, likely a sister, who is described as someone who 'takes and never gives back anything at all.' This one-sided relationship adds to the narrator's feelings of resentment and helplessness. The imagery of being 'chained to my respect' around the railing upstairs suggests a sense of duty or obligation that traps the narrator, preventing them from breaking free from these emotional chains.

The song also touches on themes of sacrifice and longing for a simpler, more innocent time. The narrator dreams of a place where the sister remained a child, indicating a desire to protect and preserve her innocence. However, the harsh reality is that both the narrator and the sister are trapped in their fears and emotional turmoil. The repeated desire to 'blame' and 'save' the sister underscores the conflicting emotions of love, frustration, and responsibility that define their relationship. Through its raw and poignant lyrics, 'Around The Railing' captures the essence of familial love and the emotional complexities that come with it.