The song "I'll Be Around" by The Growlers explores themes of personal struggles, uncertainty, and the complexities of human relationships. The lyrics depict the narrator's introspection and contemplation about his own existence. The opening lines, "Yes, I'm only a man/Judgements of something ancient/Clocking my time as finished/The same is all replacements," suggest the narrator's acknowledgment of his own mortality and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. He feels like he is being replaced by others and is questioning his purpose. The line "Ignorance is complacency/Why I am purposely faded" speaks to the narrator's choice to intentionally withdraw from reality or avoid facing difficult truths. He may be using ignorance as a form of self-protection or an escape mechanism. The chorus, "You never do what you say/Shine till the sun comes up/Come down/You oughta wash your hands and pray/Shaking hands, swapping dirty blood/Pass it round," discusses the hypocrisy and false promises made by others. The narrator is expressing frustration with people who don't follow through with their words and engage in insincere actions. Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing and a desire for connection. The line "Shake me down/Shake me up" conveys a yearning for someone to disrupt the narrator's stagnant state, to challenge him, and to awaken him from his complacency. The repeated phrase "I'll be around" can be interpreted as a reassurance to those around the narrator that he will always be present, despite his internal struggles. It might also signify the narrator's determination to persist and persevere in the face of adversity. Overall, "I'll Be Around" delves into the internal conflicts, emotional turmoil, and search for meaning experienced by the narrator. It reflects the human condition of grappling with identity, authenticity, and the complexities of relationships.
