Outside Of Me

Superheaven's song 'Outside Of Me' delves into the complex emotions of self-doubt, unfulfilled expectations, and the yearning for personal freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an individual grappling with their own identity and the pressure to meet someone else's expectations. The opening lines, 'Outside of me there's no one there / There was never a chance that you could care,' suggest a profound sense of isolation and the belief that their true self is unworthy of love or attention. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the protagonist is haunted by visions of what others expect them to be, yet feels unable to conform to these ideals.

The chorus, 'It's been a long time between us, / And I always know it's what you want / I'm opening up to let you down / I'm sorry, I can't be that right now,' highlights the internal conflict between wanting to please someone and the painful realization that they cannot meet those expectations. This struggle is further emphasized by the line, 'Forgive me, I just wanted to feel free,' which reveals a deep desire for personal liberation and authenticity, even if it means disappointing others.

The recurring theme of feeling like a burden, as expressed in 'Sometimes I feel I might have made your life a mess,' underscores the protagonist's guilt and self-blame. Despite recognizing the importance of these expectations ('That's the thing it means everything to me'), they admit their inability to change ('I can't bring myself to be that way just yet'). The repetition of 'Outside of me there's no one there' at the end reinforces the sense of loneliness and the struggle for self-acceptance. Superheaven's raw and introspective lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of others' expectations and the quest for personal freedom.