"Score 22" by Enter Shikari is a song with cryptic and metaphorical lyrics, open to interpretation. The lyrics seem to depict a past relationship symbolically represented as carving someone out of pine. The speaker mentions the desire to find and address the emotional wounds caused by the person they carved, longing to heal the scars in their mind caused by the splinters (painful memories). The question "What would you rather be?" is posed multiple times, suggesting a choice between being hated and remembered or being forgotten altogether. The lyrics hint at the complexity of emotions in a relationship, questioning whether it's better to be remembered even if it's with negative feelings or to be completely forgotten. The line "When her last breath echoes 'you complete me'" implies a moment of vulnerability and intimacy where the person being addressed feels a strong connection and dependency on the speaker. There is a desire for a deep emotional bond, even though it might come with pain and scars. The repeated phrase "yeah we'll stay... I want to be" expresses a longing to remain in the relationship despite the challenges and pain. It could imply a willingness to endure emotional scars and stay committed. Ultimately, the meaning and story behind the song can vary depending on individual interpretation. The lyrics explore themes of love, emotional wounds, and the complexities of relationships, leaving the listener to derive their own understanding and personal connection to the song.
