You Weren't Meant To See That

The Rare Occasions' song 'You Weren't Meant To See That' delves into the theme of vulnerability and the hidden struggles that people often keep to themselves. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of moments when one's inner turmoil becomes visible to others, despite efforts to keep it concealed. The opening lines describe a scene of isolation and introspection, where the protagonist is metaphorically 'sinking like a summer Moon' and 'slipping through a tar pit,' suggesting a state of emotional or mental distress. This sets the stage for the recurring refrain, 'You weren't meant to see that,' emphasizing the desire to hide these moments of weakness from others.

The song continues to explore the contrast between mundane joys and sudden, disruptive events. The protagonist finds joy in simple activities like 'hauling down the highway,' but this is abruptly interrupted by a metaphorical car crash, symbolizing a sudden loss of control and the shattering of one's facade. The imagery of 'windows shattering' and the realization that 'it ever mattered' highlights a moment of clarity where the protagonist sees life beyond materialistic and superficial achievements. This moment of vulnerability is something they wish to keep hidden, as indicated by the repeated refrain.

In the final verse, the song touches on the difficulty of accepting certain truths and the fear of being seen as flawed. The reference to 'fortune cookie proclamations' suggests a skepticism towards simplistic wisdom, and the line 'all the shit I should hold back' underscores the internal struggle of deciding what to reveal and what to conceal. The closing lines reveal a fear of losing a significant relationship, as the protagonist acknowledges that they 'won't always be the only one for you.' This adds a layer of emotional complexity, highlighting the fear of rejection and the desire to be understood despite one's flaws.