Pain

The War On Drugs' song 'Pain' delves into the complex and often tumultuous experience of dealing with emotional and psychological pain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggle to overcome inner turmoil and the relentless pursuit of understanding oneself. The opening lines, 'Pain is on the way out now,' suggest a glimmer of hope, indicating that the narrator is on the verge of overcoming their suffering. However, the recurring theme of resistance and the inability to change certain aspects of life highlight the ongoing battle with pain and the difficulty of finding true solace.

The song's narrative is rich with metaphors and imagery that convey a sense of stagnation and longing. The lines 'I've been pullin' on a wire, but it just won't break' and 'I've been turnin' up the dial, but I hear no sound' symbolize the futile efforts to break free from the chains of pain and the frustration of not being able to make progress. The mention of meeting 'a man with a broken back' who has a fear in his eyes that the narrator can understand further emphasizes the shared human experience of suffering and the empathy that arises from it.

Throughout the song, there is a yearning for deeper understanding and connection. The plea to 'Pull me close and let me hold you in' reflects the desire for intimacy and the need for someone to help navigate the darkness. The repeated notion of 'going back again' suggests a cyclical nature of pain and healing, where the narrator finds themselves revisiting old wounds in the quest for self-discovery. Ultimately, 'Pain' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of struggle, resilience, and the search for meaning amidst adversity.