Tiptoe

The song 'Tiptoe' by The Smile delves into the themes of invisibility, abuse, and the silent struggles that many people endure. The opening lines, 'We're just baggage with no label / And you may find us in the rubble,' suggest a sense of being discarded and overlooked, much like unclaimed luggage. This imagery sets the tone for the song, highlighting the feeling of being lost and forgotten in a chaotic world. The use of 'rubble' further emphasizes the destruction and debris that life can sometimes leave behind, making it difficult for individuals to find their place or identity.

The chorus, 'Why do people tiptoe, tiptoe / Far away from their windows?' raises questions about fear and avoidance. The act of tiptoeing suggests a need to be quiet and unseen, possibly to avoid confrontation or danger. The windows symbolize transparency and openness, yet people are moving away from them, indicating a retreat from vulnerability and exposure. This could be a metaphor for how individuals often hide their true selves or their struggles to avoid judgment or harm.

The lyrics also address the cycle of abuse and enabling, 'All of you abusers and enablers / Eating scraps from this well / As quietly as insects / A toxic repetition.' This paints a grim picture of a toxic environment where harmful behaviors are perpetuated and normalized. The comparison to insects suggests a sense of insignificance and the quiet, almost unnoticed way in which these destructive patterns continue. The final lines, 'You were just being clever / Pulling out all the feathers / And destroying the labels / Know when we wouldn't see,' speak to the cunning nature of abusers who strip away identities and labels, making it difficult for victims to be recognized or understood. The song ultimately sheds light on the silent, often hidden battles that many face, urging listeners to acknowledge and address these issues rather than tiptoeing around them.