"Rearranged" by Joshua Burnside is a song that explores themes of change, disillusionment, and the desire to break free from societal expectations and pressures. The lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia for a more rebellious past, where the protagonist and their friends would "blow things up" and engage in small wars. However, as time progresses, the protagonist finds themselves engulfed in a passive and passive-aggressive lifestyle, symbolized by watching a screen and playing dead. The song describes the protagonist's admiration for their friends who seemingly have succeeded and found happiness in conforming to societal norms, as they are depicted as "holy angels shining in the blinding light" and "making it big, doing it right." The exposed bulbs and reclaimed furniture mentioned in the lyrics emphasize the trendy aesthetic often associated with success and conformity. Despite this admiration, the protagonist questions whether their friends truly lead fulfilling lives, wondering if they ever fight or contemplate self-destructive actions like swerving into oncoming traffic. These thoughts express a sense of longing for authenticity and rebellion rather than being swept up in a carefully curated existence. The protagonist contemplates raising their voice and protesting everything they perceive as wrong, but ultimately feels disheartened and chooses to drown their emotions with alcohol. This decision highlights the struggle to maintain a sense of individuality and resistance in a world that often demands conformity. The song concludes with a recognition that the protagonist's perspective has changed and that their previous path has been restructured. The "act of terror" mentioned in the lyrics could be a metaphor for the overwhelming pressures and expectations imposed by society. The rearranged wiring symbolizes the protagonist's altered mindset, suggesting a desire for personal growth and freedom from societal constraints. Overall, "Rearranged" presents a thought-provoking narrative about societal expectations, disillusionment, and the conflict between conformity and personal authenticity.
