"Whirring" by The Joy Formidable is a song that explores themes of self-expression, personal growth, and the struggles we face in trying to communicate our thoughts and feelings effectively. The lyrics evoke a sense of frustration and a desire to be understood. The opening lines, "This much delight, fills columns to new heights / All these things about me you never can tell," suggest that the narrator experiences immense joy and fulfillment, but they feel misunderstood or unable to fully express themselves to others. The phrase "filling columns" could refer to filling pages of writing or sharing thoughts through various forms of communication. The chorus, "Turn the dial on my words / I can feel them fall short / Turn the dial, chime alarm, chime alarm / Watch these hands move apart / Turn the dial on my words," highlights the struggle of the narrator to convey their thoughts effectively. The reference to turning the dial suggests attempting to adjust or refine their words, but feeling like they still don't accurately represent their true feelings. The repetition of "chime alarm" may indicate a sense of urgency or frustration in trying to be heard. The lines, "I can see you staying here," suggest a hope or plea for the listener to understand and empathize with the speaker's experience. It reflects a desire for connection and validation. The phrase "Fierce steps shadow, life's will gone shallow" captures a sense of disappointment and disillusionment, perhaps hinting at the challenges and setbacks the narrator has faced in their journey of self-expression. The repetition of "You make me sleep so badly, invisible friend" reinforces the feeling of being misunderstood or overlooked by others. Overall, "Whirring" portrays the inner struggle of trying to communicate and be understood, while also acknowledging the difficulty of truly capturing and expressing one's thoughts and emotions. It is a reflection on the complexities of human connection and the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships with others.
