"Repeat" by July Talk is a song that delves into themes of self-destructive behavior, addiction, and the struggle to break free from negative patterns. The lyrics depict a narrator who is trapped in a cycle of questionable decisions and destructive habits. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging their repeated actions of indulging in wine, self-harming, and consuming pills. They blame these actions on their internal conflicts and points of contention. The repetition of these actions suggests an ongoing struggle and a lack of control. The narrator questions how long it will take for these actions to become a distant memory. They try to find solace in taking deep breaths, hoping for a change. The repetition of the phrase "I'm sorry" indicates remorse for the consequences of their actions. Despite their awareness of their destructive behavior, the narrator admits to feeling numb and being a "facet of mass destruction." They acknowledge that they are at fault and feel the need to surrender the metaphorical gun before they do something even more foolish. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of denial and the desire to escape the seemingly endless spiral of negative patterns. The narrator speaks of taking the metaphorical train to midnight, hoping to leave their troubles behind. The mention of "Best of Chicago" could refer to finding solace in a different city or environment. There is a plea for change, recognizing that pushing too hard and then retreating is not the answer. The narrator questions the worth of finding meaning after thirty years and expresses frustration at the idea. They also suggest that playing dumb and distracting themselves from their problems is more enjoyable than finding real solutions. The song acknowledges the importance of keeping someone else smiling, even if it means providing false hope or lying. It suggests that maintaining a positive outlook, even if it is not genuine, is crucial for someone's well-being. In the final lines, the narrator expresses a desire to do something good and nice, most likely as a way to escape the destructive cycle they find themselves in. The repetition of the phrase "Sure is nice to do something good for once" implies a longing for a positive change in their life. Overall, "Repeat" explores the struggles of addiction, self-destructive behavior, and the desire for change. It portrays the internal conflict and frustration of being trapped in repeated patterns and the longing for a better tomorrow.
