The song "Timberlands" by Empress Of explores themes of self-expression, independence, and emotional resilience. The lyrics depict the narrator's refusal to conform to societal expectations and their determination to be true to themselves. In the song, the narrator describes themselves as always being "irrelevant" and "the elephant at a party," implying that they feel out of place and unimportant in social situations. They reject the need for another person's validation or approval, stating that they don't want to shake anyone's hand or care about others' opinions. The line "I want forty, forty ounces of my pain" suggests a desire to fully embrace their emotions and experiences, refusing to apologize or feel sorry for themselves. The mention of Timberlands, a brand of boots, serves as a symbol for strength and empowerment. The narrator encourages themselves to lace up their Timberlands and step on their own heart again, indicating a willingness to face emotional pain and continue moving forward. They express a sense of resilience and self-protectiveness, vowing to never let someone hurt them and keep them out again. The lyrics also touch upon the narrator's tendency to find humor in difficult situations, being the "first to laugh when it hurts." This could suggest a coping mechanism or a defense mechanism to mask vulnerability. They express frustration with insincere compliments or empty words that lack substance, desiring genuine connections and interactions with others. Ultimately, "Timberlands" highlights Empress Of's determination to be authentic, unaffected by societal norms or others' opinions. It promotes self-acceptance, emotional strength, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
