Never Meant To Be
Welshly Arms
The Struggle for Authenticity in a Conformist World
Welshly Arms' song 'Never Meant To Be' delves into the internal conflict of maintaining one's authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. The opening lines, 'Draw back your shades. Don't misbehave,' suggest a call to openness and honesty, yet there's an underlying pressure to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics 'Make it dirty. Wash it clean. Must be perfect in between' highlight the impossible standards imposed on individuals, where one must navigate the fine line between imperfection and an unattainable ideal of perfection.
The recurring refrain, 'Never meant to be that way,' serves as a poignant reminder of the artist's original intentions and the dissonance between who they are and who they are expected to be. This sentiment is further emphasized in the lines 'Head in my hands. My circumstance. Got a lonesome older soul. Told my heart that it's losing control,' which convey a sense of weariness and the emotional toll of trying to fit into a mold that was never meant for them. The struggle is not just external but deeply internal, affecting the artist's sense of self and emotional well-being.
The song also touches on the resilience and determination to stay true to oneself, as seen in the lines 'So unafraid. Got a mind that's made. So so gentle, but kinda rough. Never ever get enough.' This juxtaposition of gentleness and roughness symbolizes the complexity of human nature and the strength required to remain authentic. 'Never Meant To Be' is a powerful anthem for anyone grappling with the pressures of conformity and the desire to stay true to their own identity.