Placeholder

The Story So Far's song 'Placeholder' delves into the emotional turmoil and self-discovery that follows a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels trapped and burdened by the emotional weight of their past. The opening lines, 'This body's closed until further notice / Wandering too close will get you nowhere fast,' suggest a state of emotional shutdown and a desire to distance oneself from further pain. The protagonist is seeking a way to move forward without the involvement of the person who caused them distress, symbolized by the metaphor of hoisting a sail off its mast.

The recurring theme of a 'war of worlds in real time' highlights the internal conflict and the struggle to find peace. The protagonist wishes for a truce, hoping the other person will acknowledge the stress they caused. The line 'Free me from the anchor / Depart these seas and let me do what I have to do' is a powerful metaphor for liberation and the need to break free from the emotional chains holding them back. The imagery of the sea and anchor underscores the feeling of being weighed down and the desire for freedom.

The song also touches on themes of self-reflection and growth. The protagonist questions their own actions and the safety of being a 'pawn' in a larger game, indicating a sense of vulnerability and the realization of their own mistakes. The lines 'Running around in circles / The path I always choose' reflect a pattern of behavior that the protagonist is struggling to break free from. The song ends on a note of determination, with the protagonist feeling 'headstrong in the world / With the wind at my back,' suggesting a newfound resolve to move forward despite the challenges.