The song "Discomfort Revisited" by The Hotelier explores themes of mental illness, lost love, and personal growth. The lyrics describe a person who is carrying an illness, likely referring to a mental health condition. This illness is something they know intimately and have learned to tune out, but it still affects them deeply. The narrator, who is possibly a friend or romantic partner, expresses jealousy towards the person with the illness. They tried to understand and map out the inconsistent ways of their mind, but found themselves tangled and unable to fully comprehend. They witness the person's struggle as their ends start to fray and they feel buried from the start, constricting the beating of their heart. The person with the illness eventually seeks treatment by being admitted to a psychiatric facility, as symbolized by the locks on the door. They become subdued and medicated, feeling trapped and disconnected from the world. Even though they try to break free and imagine a different life through painted window panes, they still feel confined and see themselves trapped. Meanwhile, the narrator reflects on their own emotional state, tearing up old news to mend their own wounds. They make a conscious effort to avoid pressuring the person and instead encourage them to find their own voice and renew themselves. They want them to pull up the metaphorical "weeds" that have hindered their growth and feel the soil under their toes, symbolizing a sense of grounding and freedom. Towards the end of the song, the narrator admits their own weakness and inability to bear the weight of the person's struggles. The person's self-destructive tendencies become evident, and the narrator understands that they cannot save them from themselves. The song concludes with a postcard from the person, expressing their desire for the narrator to pursue their own happiness and wants them to experience the same freedom that they hope to find. Overall, "Discomfort Revisited" delves into the complexities of mental illness, the strain it puts on relationships, the desire for personal growth, and the acceptance that everyone is responsible for their own happiness.
