The song "In Words" by Marika Hackman explores themes of isolation, longing for connection, and the struggle to communicate emotions. The lyrics begin by imagining a world where everyone is born with a pylon (a large metal structure often used to support power lines) between their eyes. This imagery symbolizes barriers and distractions that prevent people from truly noticing and appreciating the beauty around them, represented by the grass. The mention of metal bars and siren cries suggests the constant noise and chaos of modern society that can hinder us from experiencing genuine connection and understanding. The protagonist of the song feels disconnected and restless, constantly running on highways and in a state of perpetual motion. They feel like an outsider, never truly feeling at home but recognizing the need to find a place of belonging. The metaphor of being a "mouth that bit the hand that gave me life" indicates a sense of rebellion or betrayal, possibly towards someone or something that shaped their existence. Yet, they find solace in music, describing it as a "fertile wife" from which they can draw comfort and inspiration. The songwriter expresses frustration in expressing their thoughts and emotions clearly. They struggle to articulate their yearning for freedom and a fleeting sense of happiness, symbolized by wanting to be "a lark" or a bird that is free to fly. But they understand that capturing that sense of freedom is impossible, as the bird cannot be caught or tied down. The chorus emphasizes the songwriter's difficulty in seeing things clearly and finding their way home, whether that be a physical or metaphorical place of comfort and understanding. They fear that they will never be able to return to a state of contentment. The final verse suggests acceptance of their current situation. They recognize that they need to be left alone to navigate their own path and confront their own challenges. The "ways back" are closed to them, indicating that they cannot simply revert to a previous state of being. Ultimately, they long for a sense of home and understanding, and they hope to convey this longing to someone else in order to find solace and connection. Overall, "In Words" delves into the complexities of human emotion, the difficulty of communication, and the universal desire for belonging and understanding.
