The song "I Would Rather Hide" by Joseph Arthur explores themes of isolation, self-reflection, and the desire to escape from the outside world. The lyrics suggest that the narrator believes everyone is "insane" when there is no one else around to judge or influence their behavior. The song begins with the realization that people tend to hide their true selves when they are alone, suggesting that they may feel more comfortable or liberated in their solitude. This is expressed in the lines: "Yeah, yeah, I know we're all insane when there's no one else around." The narrator continues by expressing a strong aversion to going outside and interacting with others. They state, "I don't wanna go outside, I don't wanna go outside inside, I would rather hide." This repetition emphasizes their desire to withdraw and avoid facing the outside world, preferring to remain in seclusion. The song also touches on the narrator's struggles with their own fears and insecurities. They describe feeling plagued by a "phantom" and hearing a voice that they sometimes follow. These inner demons seem to be a source of distress for the narrator, preventing them from fully embracing the world beyond their solitude. The lyrics also touch on the idea of feeling disconnected from reality. The line "I think aliens abducted me, I close my eyes if I want to see" suggests that the narrator may feel as though they do not belong in their own reality. It conveys a sense of detachment from the external world, as if they have been transported to another realm. Overall, "I Would Rather Hide" speaks to the complexities of human emotions and the need for introspection. It delves into the desire to escape and hide from the pressures and expectations of the outside world, exploring the feeling of being alone in one's thoughts and fears.
