The meaning of Helmet's song "You Borrowed" can be open to interpretation, as lyrics often have subjective meanings for each listener. However, here is a possible interpretation: The song seems to touch upon themes of trust, betrayal, and self-identity. It opens with the idea of giving someone scraps and talking about the bad things, indicating a sense of resentment or dissatisfaction. The speaker mentions a language or motive that affected them, suggesting that someone's words or actions have had a negative impact on their trust in others. The phrase "self imitating" could imply that the speaker feels like they are replicating or copying their own behavior, perhaps feeling like they've lost a sense of individuality. The following line, "trust the dying breed," may allude to a diminishing trust in others, considering it as a rare quality among people. The line "the pitch I made has been" could suggest that a promise or proposition the speaker made did not come to fruition or was not fulfilled by the listener. The second verse continues the theme of trust and its significance in relationships. The speaker mentions that they trust in what's left on their end, implying that trust has been damaged or eroded in some way. They emphasize that lying is not admirable and acknowledge the subject's trust in them without fear. The chorus, "my world of one speak up the good things, the guidelines let me follow, offense is borrowed," seems to imply that the speaker wants to express positive aspects of themselves, but feels constrained by societal guidelines or expectations. They also mention borrowed offense, possibly suggesting that they are influenced by others in taking offense or feeling hurt by certain actions or words. Ultimately, the song seems to explore feelings of distrust and the internal struggle to maintain authenticity in the face of external pressures. The lyrics may resonate with individuals who have experienced betrayal or who question their own identity and trust in others. Interpretations may vary, as lyrics can have multiple layers of meaning and evoke personal experiences.
