I'll Be Around

The Growlers' song 'I'll Be Around' delves into themes of existential uncertainty, self-reflection, and the complexities of human relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of a man grappling with his place in the world, feeling the weight of time and the inevitability of change. The opening lines, 'Yes, I'm only a man / Judgements of something ancient,' suggest a struggle with identity and the pressure of societal expectations. The mention of 'clocking my time as finished' and 'the same is all replacements' hints at a sense of futility and the cyclical nature of life.

The chorus, with its repeated lines 'You never do what you say' and 'Shine till the sun comes up,' reflects a sense of disillusionment and the fleeting nature of promises. The phrase 'shaking hands, swapping dirty blood' could be interpreted as a metaphor for the exchange of flawed human experiences and the inevitable contamination that comes with close relationships. The repeated promise 'I'll be around' juxtaposes the uncertainty and inconsistency expressed throughout the song, suggesting a desire for stability and reliability despite the chaos.

The song also touches on themes of fear and desire, as seen in the lines 'So I fear, but I don't know what it is / So I want, but I pretend I don't need.' This internal conflict is further emphasized by the imagery of 'throwing pages all away like shaking wrists,' symbolizing a struggle to let go of the past and move forward. The repeated refrain 'shake me up, shake me down' underscores a longing for change and a break from the monotony. The song's introspective nature and its exploration of human vulnerability make it a poignant reflection on the complexities of life and relationships.