The song "Give It" by Helmet is open to interpretation and can have different meanings for different listeners. However, based on the lyrics provided, the song seems to explore themes of violence, power, and personal assertiveness. The opening lyrics, "Killing hurts, has to be done; peace and love and who's number one," suggest a paradoxical relationship between violence (killing) and the pursuit of peace and love. It may imply that sometimes, to achieve peace or assert oneself, one must overcome obstacles or fight against opposing forces. The line "the right to give, learn to bleed it's free" could be interpreted as the idea that one must be willing to sacrifice or suffer in order to succeed or achieve personal growth. It hints at the notion that there are no shortcuts or guarantees in life, and that one must be prepared to give their best effort and endure hardships to attain their goals. The phrase "pain is outside, lift it up to see" could imply that pain and suffering exist in the external world, and by acknowledging it and facing it head-on, one can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It suggests that personal growth and self-awareness require confronting and overcoming pain. In the chorus, "step ahead, always wear the past, dying soothe me beneath the smell of grass," it seems to touch upon the idea of personal progress and growth. Moving forward, wearing the past signifies learning from past experiences and mistakes. The line "dying soothe me beneath the smell of grass" may symbolize finding solace or peace in the face of inevitable mortality, suggesting that embracing mortality can bring clarity and serenity. The lyrics "no world secret kept is too intent, I've got my nerve, self-help confidence" express a sense of self-assurance and confidence in oneself. It implies that the protagonist feels capable of handling whatever challenges or secrets the world may hold, and that they possess the courage and self-belief needed to navigate life. Overall, "Give It" appears to explore themes of personal strength, resilience, and the willingness to confront challenges in order to achieve personal growth and success. However, it is important to remember that song interpretations can vary, and this is just one possible interpretation of the lyrics.
