"The Magnifying Glass" by The Joy Formidable is a song that explores themes of self-discovery and the struggle to maintain a sense of identity in a changing world. The lyrics use metaphors to convey a sense of loss, emptiness, and the desire for change. The opening lines, "What shines when the eyes are dull? What folds in when the hinge is gone?" suggest a feeling of emptiness or numbness, as if the narrator's emotions have been dulled. They feel dead and insignificant without any attention or recognition. The phrase "The moth is dead without the dust" implies that without the essential elements that give life meaning, one's existence becomes devoid of purpose. Similarly, the line "I'm dead without a fuss" suggests the narrator's longing for acknowledgment or acceptance. The chorus, "All I know is you, no, I can't change" highlights the idea that the narrator's identity seems to revolve around someone or something else, and they feel incapable of breaking free from this cycle. It could be interpreted as a relationship or a dependency on someone or something that they cannot let go of. The subsequent verses paint a picture of a contrast between the narrator's own reality and what they perceive as a more fulfilling existence enjoyed by others. The "happier home" and neighbors who "love each other" denotes a sense of community and happiness that the narrator feels they are missing out on. The mention of friends "baking cakes and swapping numbers" further emphasizes this feeling of exclusion and longing for a more vibrant life. The lyrics continue to express the narrator's frustration in their current state, with lines such as "The slightest weight upsets the scale, simple words are growing vague." This may imply that even the smallest setbacks or ordinary experiences have a significant impact on their emotional wellbeing. They feel a sense of disconnect from the world and struggle to find clarity or understanding in their relationships or surroundings. The lines "We're twinned but put against, one shape under the magnifying glass" suggest a dualistic nature or a feeling of being compared or scrutinized. The use of a magnifying glass symbolizes the intense examination and scrutiny that the narrator feels under. It could represent the pressure to conform to certain expectations or the feeling of being closely observed and judged. In the final lines, the narrator pleads for help to shed the illusion or myth they have been living in. They desire to cut out certain aspects of their life, possibly unhealthy or limiting beliefs, in order to find their true selves. The lyrics imply a longing for change and growth, a desire to break free from the confines of their current existence and embrace a more authentic and fulfilling life. Overall, "The Magnifying Glass" delves into the complexities of personal identity, the longing for change, and the struggle to break free from societal expectations. It invites the listener to reflect on their own self-discovery journey and the challenges they may face in finding their true selves.
