"Shelter" by Hundredth tells the story of a person who chooses to hide from the harsh realities of the world by boarding up their mind and seeking refuge in ignorance. They opt for temporary happiness and smiles rather than facing the truth. The protagonist, however, opposes this mindset and prefers to stay awake and fight against the misery. They believe that living in apathy and self-deception will only lead to a wasted life. The lyrics suggest that the burden of perceiving the world more deeply and feeling more intensely is a price worth paying, even if it can be a curse. The song questions whether the body controls the mind or vice versa, ultimately concluding that the mind rules the body. The chorus expresses a rebellious attitude towards authority and societal norms. The speaker believes that authority figures only weaken people and suppress independent thinking. They encourage others to defy authority and not be silenced. The lyrics also reflect the feeling of being cornered and forced to compromise one's principles in order to survive. The society depicted in the song disregards critical thinking, ostracizes those who dare to question, and punishes those who speak out. Although the song acknowledges the hardships and struggles of facing the truth and standing up against authority, it ultimately encourages the listener to shelter their mind from the cold truth outside, suggesting the importance of finding temporary solace and refuge to maintain mental well-being. Overall, "Shelter" by Hundredth explores themes of escapism, rebellion against authority, and the internal struggle between seeking happiness and facing harsh realities.
