"Temporary Education" by Justin Courtney Pierre is a song about the struggles of mental health and the feeling of being trapped within oneself. The lyrics depict the narrator as an anxious child who was timid and wild, feeling buried and trapped within their own mind. The song talks about how this anxiety and turmoil seem to be locked inside them, caught in their own skin. They describe it as spasms of entropy, indicating the chaos and distress they feel. The narrator expresses their frustration and inability to change or control their situation, as nothing ever seems to change. The lyrics mention the presence of cortisol, a stress hormone, which suggests the physical and emotional toll this anxiety takes on the body. They feel like their body and mind are being sabotaged, lacking the strength or understanding to overcome it. The chorus "I can't stop you now, nothing ever changes" highlights the feeling of helplessness and resignation. The narrator seems unable to find a way to communicate or resolve their struggles, feeling the need to call for a "temper tamper," potentially referring to seeking external methods of controlling their emotions. The song emphasizes the theme of isolation and distance, both from others and from oneself. The lines "Maybe cat and cow, alleviate the anguish" could symbolize seeking comfort in simple activities or distractions, but ultimately feeling stuck in their current state. The lyrics also explore the pain and difficulty of each anniversary, suggesting that significant dates or milestones only amplify the darkness and agony they experience. The metaphor of catastrophe and ecstasy implies that the narrator's heart feels most at home in moments of extreme emotion, be it pain or pleasure. The chorus repeats the inability to stop or change the current circumstances, describing it as living in estrangement and seeking temporary education. This could refer to the narrator's search for temporary relief or escape from their anxiety but ultimately recognizing the cyclical nature of their struggles. Overall, "Temporary Education" delves into the complexities of living with anxiety and the desire for understanding, connection, and relief. It speaks to the frustration of feeling trapped and the ongoing battle to find solace and peace within oneself.
