The song "Presumably Dead Arm" by Sidney Gish explores themes of detachment, disillusionment, and the struggles of navigating relationships. The lyrics use vivid and whimsical language to convey the singer's feelings and experiences. The song begins by acknowledging that it is not the beginning of anything significant, but rather just a song that the singer can share. They describe standing in a graveyard where a seemingly lifeless arm pops out of the grass, questioning why people don't talk about such strange occurrences. The chorus states, "Honey, you are nothing to me, Alcohol and dopamine, I'm dying on the sofa, And I barely know the time." This suggests a sense of emotional detachment and a reliance on substances to cope with life's challenges. The singer feels distant and disconnected from the person they are addressing. The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of love, comparing it to a millisecond and expressing a lack of sentimentality. The line about their brain being a toddler rollerskating down a hill and running into a tree represents their youthful and sometimes clumsy thought process. The singer expresses a desire to know intimate details about someone, such as passwords and childhood memories. However, they also acknowledge their own cynicism and dismissiveness, describing themselves as bitchy. They discuss feeling overlooked by potential romantic interests and a sense of longing for connection. There is a whimsical mention of someone hallucinating on drugs, getting lost in the shower and being unaware of the time. This adds to the overall theme of detachment and feeling out of touch with reality. The song concludes with reflections on the transitory nature of relationships, comparing them to a storybook that can quickly turn into non-fiction. The singer contemplates the passage of time and the expectations society has for reaching certain milestones, but also acknowledges their own rebellious and non-conformist attitude. Overall, "Presumably Dead Arm" captures the complex emotions and experiences of the singer as they navigate relationships, detachment, and personal growth. The lyrics showcase Sidney Gish's clever wordplay and introspective approach to songwriting.
