"Vaccination" by Helmet is a song with abstract and cryptic lyrics, which can be open to interpretation. The song seems to touch upon themes of gossip, paranoia, and the consequences of one's actions. The lyrics suggest that there is a lot of petty news and rumors circulating, but the listener should be cautious about believing everything they hear. It hints at the importance of being careful with the information one consumes. The line "Feeling great now you expand your view, you can't forget, somebody hates you" conveys the idea that despite feeling good and confident, there will always be someone who dislikes or harbors negative feelings towards you. It possibly highlights the insecurity and vulnerability that can arise from public scrutiny. The phrase "Justify my worst behavior, search in blood-lines, exchange a favor" suggests the protagonist justifying their actions by referring to past family history or possibly seeking validation or forgiveness from others. The lines "Humble goals, bad nutrition, rely on me, there's one condition" may refer to someone struggling with personal goals and taking care of themselves while relying on another person for support, but with certain conditions attached or expectations to be met. The lines "Imitated, so adored, the wind picks up, my suit gets torn" could signify the speaker feeling pressured to imitate others, maybe out of a desire for recognition or admiration. However, the consequence is that they become vulnerable and their facade begins to crumble. Overall, "Vaccination" seems to tackle themes of navigating gossip and negative influences, self-justification, and the consequences of seeking validation or conforming to societal expectations. The exact meaning and story behind the song may vary for each listener and their personal interpretation.
