The meaning and story behind The Used's song "Noise and Kisses" revolves around the themes of vulnerability, the search for connection, and the fear of rejection. The lyrics depict a sense of weariness or disillusionment, as expressed in the line "Look in my eyes, I'm jaded now whatever that means." The protagonist is tired and possibly emotionally drained, looking for meaning in their experiences and interactions. By sharing their inner thoughts and feelings, the protagonist metaphorically "rips their heart out," suggesting that opening up and being vulnerable is a significant and often painful process. However, they believe it is worth their time, without fully understanding what it means. The narrative continues with references to physical discomfort such as a stiff neck and choking on an orange, which could symbolize the internal struggle faced by the protagonist. Despite this discomfort, it is still deemed worthwhile and significant, whatever that may mean to them. They then turn to someone else and request them to share with them, emphasizing their need for emotional connection and understanding. They want to see the other person's true self, their inner thoughts and emotions. If the other person refuses to open up, the protagonist would rather face deprivation (starve) than continue the relationship on a surface level. The repeated phrase "it tears me up" suggests the emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist due to their craving for genuine emotional connection. This line emphasizes the pain caused by not being able to establish this connection and the toll it takes on them. In essence, "Noise and Kisses" delves into the desire for meaningful communication, vulnerability, and the internal conflict between the need for connection and the fear of rejection or emotional pain.
