The song "Division Symbols" by Hands Like Houses explores feelings of frustration, isolation, and the struggle for self-expression. The lyrics depict a sense of being unheard and fighting against the odds. The opening lines convey a sense of resignation and refusal to seek another chance or look for help from any external source, including heaven. The protagonist believes they have found their own personal hell in their current circumstances. They feel like they are fighting an unwinnable battle just to be heard, as their words are drowned out and their voice is ignored. The chorus emphasizes the impact of the other person's words, which are described as dragging the protagonist down. It implies that the things the person says have a negative effect on their psyche. The frustration is further highlighted by the reference to singing out loud when no one is listening, indicating a sense of futility and loneliness. The second verse talks about feeling overwhelmed in a crowded room, yet still feeling alone. The lack of physical walls creates a metaphorical sense of confinement and the inability to escape from their emotional state. The protagonist questions how they ended up in this situation, surrounded on all sides but feeling isolated. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the impact of the other person's words and the metaphorical killing effect they have on the protagonist. The bridge expresses a feeling of despair and hopelessness, with the house being described as broken and the inhabitants feeling hopeless. There is a cycle of fighting that keeps repeating itself, but it never truly ends. The final verse returns to the theme of finding hell where the protagonist stands, implying that they cannot escape their current struggles. The chorus is repeated once again, emphasizing the impact of the other person's words and their fatal effect on the protagonist. Overall, "Division Symbols" explores the themes of frustration, isolation, and the struggle for self-expression. The lyrics convey a sense of feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and trapped in a cycle of despair.
