The song "Dismembered" by Jerry Cantrell explores themes of decay, loss, and perseverance. Cantrell uses the metaphor of a dismembered body to reflect on the ways in which we can feel fragmented and disconnected from ourselves and the world around us. The opening lines "Watch my stitches come unsewn / Another piece gone by the wayside" suggest a sense of disintegration and deterioration. Cantrell then asks "Remember when I was oh, so bright? / Dismembered, is my head on right?" questioning his own stability and sense of self. Despite these feelings of fragmentation, Cantrell also acknowledges that he is "Held together by what will not die" and that he can still "bring a smile" to others. The song encourages the listener to make the most of the time they have, praising the value of life in its impermanence. Cantrell sings "Don't let it pass you by / Let it out, all the shit inside / Make it matter, don't look back / Just let it out." Overall, "Dismembered" explores themes of loss and decay while also encouraging the listener to embrace life fully, even in the face of fragmentation and uncertainty.
