The lyrics of the song "Outsider Art" by Gallows depict a sense of isolation, despair, and the search for meaning and freedom amidst chaos. The opening lines show the speaker's emotional detachment and lack of remorse, indicating a numbness that has lasted for years. However, the following line suggests that consequences or a "hell" are approaching, as they feel cast out like a net. The speaker then describes surrounding themselves with "outsider art," which refers to art created by self-taught or marginalized artists. This may symbolize finding solace or identity in unconventional or non-mainstream expressions. However, their spirit and life have been destroyed or "murdered," possibly by external forces. The next verse portrays the speaker's feeling of being alone and unloved, emphasized by the absence of saints watching over them in the metaphorical garden and sea. The concept of impermanence is introduced, with nothing lasting forever and time being described as a negative force. The impending sense of doom is intensified with the mention of the sun exploding and the imminent threat of war. The chorus repeats the phrase "our lives, they collide," suggesting that the speaker's life intersects with someone else's. This collision brings a moment of respite from chaos and offers a sense of freedom. The speaker implies that they no longer seek solace in old religious texts and instead have gained an understanding of death's appearance and inevitability. The following verse refers to a violent birth or origin, being baptized by fire and thrown into a dangerous environment symbolized by a snake pit. The directive to "get out alive" implies a struggle for survival against all odds. The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus and a restatement of the themes of impermanence and the approaching war. The repetitive nature of the lyrics mirrors the cyclical and chaotic nature of life. Overall, "Outsider Art" explores themes of isolation, despair, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. It portrays the speaker's journey from emotional numbness to a brief moment of freedom and connection, all while acknowledging the fleeting nature of existence.
