"Life Before Insanity" is a song by the American rock band Gov't Mule. The lyrics depict a sense of longing and nostalgia for a time in the past when life seemed more vibrant and fulfilling. The speaker in the song is surrounded by faces, which symbolize the people and memories of a time before they experienced a mental or emotional breakdown (insanity). The lyrics describe a hunger and desire for something more, but it can be difficult to explain this yearning to someone who doesn't understand it. The mention of wanting someone's breath raining on their skin suggests a strong physical and emotional connection that is craved. The speaker expresses fatigue and a feeling of self-pity, longing for more from life. They are aware of the clouds of sadness and anger that surround them, contrasting with the previous summer and laughter that filled their days. The loss of warmth and joy is now represented by grey smiles. The thoughts of the speaker once centered on holding someone close, but now they drift aimlessly like the wind. This signifies a detachment from the present and a yearning for the past. The repetition of "Can you feel it" emphasizes the desire for someone to understand and empathize with the speaker's emotions, as if their pain is descending upon them. The tiredness and self-pity persist, as the night falls and the wind calls their name, symbolizing a sense of isolation and longing. Overall, "Life Before Insanity" conveys a yearning for a time when life was more vibrant and fulfilling, and a longing for deeper connections and understanding with others. It reflects the challenges of navigating through mental and emotional struggles and the longing for a return to a more fulfilling existence.
