The song "Useless" by the band Unloco explores themes of personal struggle, feeling trapped, and the desire for change. The lyrics depict someone who feels isolated and alone, seeking refuge in their room. They try to drown out their thoughts and fall asleep by turning on the radio, but it only serves as a temporary escape from their pain. The narrator mentions trying to keep up for someone, possibly trying to please or meet the expectations of someone else. They feel pushed and shoved, suggesting they have faced mistreatment or manipulation. The damage caused by this person has left the narrator in a state of constant pain. They express the feeling of trying to stay awake, possibly metaphorically trying to avoid facing their circumstances or emotions. Despite their efforts, they realize that staying awake is futile and they must confront their reality. The lyrics "I fucking tried your way / And I don't like what I see" indicate the narrator's dissatisfaction with conforming to someone else's expectations or way of life. They have gone through numerous hardships and faced various challenges, which have left them feeling useless. The line "And so I burn a part of me that slowly fades to you, but how can I plainly see what slowly fades to me" suggests a sense of self-sacrifice and losing oneself in the process of trying to please someone else. The narrator realizes that this way of living is not fulfilling or satisfying. In the end, they express boredom, possibly indicating a sense of resignation or disillusionment with their current situation. They have tried to meet the expectations of others, but it has only left them feeling empty and unsatisfied. Overall, "Useless" speaks to the struggles of personal growth, the damaging effects of conforming to others' expectations, and the desire for change and self-realization.
