"Opaque" by Eleventyseven is a song that explores the feelings of vulnerability and the desire to hide one's true emotions and struggles from others. The lyrics depict the narrator wearing their past experiences, or chapters of their history, on their shoulder for everyone to see. They feel like a captain of a mysterious ship, but their eyes give away their true feelings. The song suggests that the narrator's story has already been seen by others, and they feel like there is nothing left to prove or authenticate. They wonder if others can see through their façade because, in reality, there was never anything significant or substantial to begin with. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of the audience, symbolizing the people around the narrator who constantly observe and judge them. The narrator feels exposed, like a performance that requires repeated retakes. They express a longing to not constantly be learning new ways to ache, implying that they wish they could find a sense of peace and stop feeling so vulnerable. The mention of cabin pressure failing and reaching for oxygen suggests that the narrator feels suffocated and overwhelmed. They reflect on how they wouldn't even be seeking help if it weren't for their friends pushing them to do so. The narrator has been trying to soothe and domesticate their inner struggles, but the effort they put into proving themselves seems futile. In the chorus, the narrator repeats their desire to be "a little more opaque." This means they want to be more mysterious and less transparent, so they can protect themselves and keep their vulnerabilities hidden. They long for some level of invisibility, where they can maintain a sense of privacy and protect their emotions. Overall, "Opaque" speaks to the longing to shield oneself from judgment and vulnerability. It explores the desire to be less exposed and find a sense of inner peace amidst the pressures of the world.
