The Song with Five Names a​.​k​.​a. Soapbox Tao a​.​k​.​a. Checkmate Atheists! a​.​k​.​a. Neospace Government (A​.​K​.​A. You Can Never Know)

Will Wood and The Tapeworms' song, "The Song with Five Names a.k.a. Soapbox Tao a.k.a. Checkmate Atheists! a.k.a. Neospace Government (A.K.A. You Can Never Know)," is a complex exploration of existential uncertainty and the human quest for meaning. The lyrics delve into the paradoxes of self-identity, knowledge, and belief, challenging the listener to confront the limitations of their understanding.

The song opens with a reflection on self-identity, questioning the nature of the self and the origins of consciousness. The repeated phrase "in your head" suggests that our perceptions and beliefs are subjective, and the assertion that "you could never know" underscores the inherent uncertainty in our understanding of reality. This theme is further emphasized by the lines "Trust in yourself / Or anyone else / We've always all been wrong," which highlight the fallibility of human knowledge and the constructed nature of our beliefs.

The chorus, with its metaphor of breaking a shovel when breaking new ground, illustrates the idea that seeking deeper truths often leads to more questions and uncertainties. The repetition of "you could never know" serves as a reminder of the limits of human comprehension. The song also touches on the concept of projection, suggesting that our beliefs and perceptions are often defenses against the existential void.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics reference religious themes and the search for truth, juxtaposing the comfort of old beliefs with the realization that ultimate truth is elusive. The invocation of "old time religion" reflects a yearning for certainty and simplicity in the face of existential doubt. However, the repeated acknowledgment that "you could never know" reinforces the idea that absolute knowledge is unattainable, and that acceptance of this uncertainty is a part of the human experience.