The song "Surgery" by Helmet is a hard rock/alternative metal track that touches on themes of self-reflection, self-improvement, and overcoming personal struggles. The lyrics suggest that there are certain things in life that we need to remove or let go of in order to move forward. These things could be negative thoughts, excessive analysis, emotional vulnerability, or unhealthy physical behaviors. The call to "cut 'em out for good" implies the need for drastic action or change to achieve a better state of being. The line "put me under, knock me out" can be interpreted as a willingness to undergo a metaphorical surgery or transformation to escape these negative patterns or thoughts. The chorus poses a series of questions regarding safety, soundness, fear, and vulnerability. It asks if the listener is living in fear, scared, falling, or feeling any emotional damage or scars. These questions allude to the importance of addressing these issues and facing them head-on. The verse mentioning "surgically reformed" suggests that the person has undergone a significant change or improvement, possibly through self-reflection or a decision to eliminate negative influences from their life. The repeated question "Are you falling now? 'Cause I can help you down, now you see how it feels" can be seen as an offer of support and understanding from the songwriter. It suggests that the speaker has also experienced similar struggles and is willing to help others who are going through the same difficulties. Overall, "Surgery" conveys a message of self-empowerment, encouraging listeners to confront their fears, eliminate harmful influences, and seek personal growth and improvement.
