Buried Myself Alive

The Used's song 'Buried Myself Alive' delves into the emotional turmoil and self-imposed isolation that often accompany toxic relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has been repeatedly hurt by someone they care about, to the point where they feel the need to shut themselves off emotionally. The opening lines, 'You almost always pick the best times to drop the worst lines,' suggest a pattern of emotional manipulation and insensitivity from the other person, leading to a cycle of pain and false alarms.

The metaphor of burying oneself alive is particularly striking. It signifies a desperate attempt to protect oneself by creating an emotional barrier, effectively shutting out the source of pain. The protagonist acknowledges their own role in this dynamic, admitting, 'I think I made it a game to play your game and let myself cry.' This line reveals a sense of complicity and self-awareness, recognizing that they have allowed themselves to be drawn into this harmful pattern.

The chorus, 'I guess it’s okay I puked the day away, I guess it’s better you trapped yourself in your own way,' reflects a turning point. The protagonist begins to reclaim their sense of self, even if it means enduring physical and emotional discomfort. The imagery of breaking chains and taking an early flight home symbolizes liberation and the reclaiming of personal freedom. The repeated phrase, 'With my foot on your neck, I finally have you right where I want you,' suggests a shift in power dynamics, where the protagonist feels a sense of control and vindication.

Ultimately, 'Buried Myself Alive' is a raw and powerful exploration of the struggle to break free from emotional chains and the journey towards self-empowerment. It captures the pain of toxic relationships and the difficult but necessary steps towards healing and self-liberation.