The song "Exhausted - Early Version" by Joseph Arthur illustrates a feeling of mental exhaustion brought on by the power of one's imagination. The lyrics depict a person who is unable to sleep, as their mind continuously generates vivid and fearful dreams. This constant state of wakefulness has taken its toll on the individual, leaving them drained and fatigued. The protagonist closes their eyes hoping for respite, but they still see the pain and heartache reflected on someone's face, most likely a significant other. This person has poured their emotions into their relationship, leaving themselves vulnerable and exposed. This vulnerability and the subsequent pain the protagonist witnesses intensify their mental exhaustion. The repetition of being "exhausted by my imagination" suggests the overwhelming burden caused by the mind's ability to conjure up fears and anxieties. The walls appear to bleed, and the protagonist experiences hallucinations, blurring the lines between reality and their own internal world. Feeling trapped and unable to escape their torment, the protagonist longs to leave their current situation. However, they feel there is nowhere they can go to find solace. The familiar faces around them now view them as an outsider, as if they are invisible or no longer truly present. Walking through desolate and dying streets, they believe they hear their name being called, but it turns out to be a figment of their imagination. The mention of the dirty clouds and impending rain symbolize a further descent into darkness and chaos. The protagonist reveals that they lost their own sanity after discovering that someone they cared for deeply had also succumbed to insanity. This revelation exacerbates their own struggles, leading them to become a prisoner of their own imagination. Overall, "Exhausted - Early Version" encapsulates the destructive power of the mind and the toll it can take on one's mental and emotional well-being. It portrays a sense of isolation and desperation as the protagonist searches for a way to escape their overwhelming internal torment.
