I Really Want to Help You
Empathy's Limits: Personal Struggles Amidst Helping Others
Lyrics
Broken glass lines the streets and sparkles one by one
Broken glass on the streets symbolizes disorder and chaos, catching the sunlight in a beautiful yet distracting way.
A beautiful distraction created by the sun
The distraction is created by the sun, emphasizing the contrast between beauty and disruption.
If only I could mould these thoughts to boney fists of rage
Expresses a desire to turn thoughts into a forceful expression of anger but struggles with doing so.
Instead I disregard them all and I try to act my age
Despite the desire for anger, the speaker chooses to ignore these thoughts and attempts to behave in a mature manner.
I really want to help you let you feel free
Expresses a genuine wish to help someone and make them feel liberated.
But I haven't much hope left and I'm saving it for me...my friend
Personal hope is dwindling, and the speaker is reserving what little remains for themselves.
The stories that you tell me I already know
The speaker is familiar with the stories being told and indicates a sense of predictability or repetitiveness.
Eroding like the shorelines of Lake Ontario
Describes the erosion of shared experiences, possibly due to time or external factors, using the metaphor of shorelines.
It's true that if I walk away I'll end up right here
If the speaker leaves, they will end up in the same emotional state, emphasizing a sense of being stuck.
The duct tape holds the water out but does nothing for the fear
The use of duct tape as a makeshift solution suggests a temporary fix that doesn't address deeper fears.
I really want to help you let you feel free
Reiterates the desire to help someone feel free but acknowledges a diminishing personal hope.
But I haven't much hope left and I'm saving it for me
The speaker is holding onto the remaining hope for themselves, suggesting a sense of self-preservation.
I really want to help you if only you could see
Expresses the earnest wish to help, emphasizing the speaker's sincerity in wanting to make a positive impact.
That I haven't much time left I'm so sorry
Despite the desire to help, the speaker acknowledges a limited time, possibly indicating personal constraints or urgency.
Instead of feeling guilty I'll tie the loose ends
Instead of feeling guilty about the situation, the speaker plans to address and tie up any loose ends in their communication.
To every word I say to you I can only hope it mends
The speaker hopes that their words will mend the situation, implying a desire for reconciliation or resolution.
Soon these hours turn to days like all the years before
Time passes, and the accumulation of ignored issues becomes significant, possibly leading to a breaking point.
And everything accumulates that we chose to ignore
Choices made in the past accumulate, suggesting that unresolved issues have consequences over time.
I really want to help you let you feel free
Reiterates the sincere desire to help someone find freedom, but personal hope is still limited and self-focused.
But I haven't much hope left and I'm saving it for me
The speaker continues to reserve hope for themselves, highlighting a struggle with their own challenges.
I really want to help you if only you could see
Expresses the urgent wish to help, emphasizing the limited time available and expressing regret.
That I haven't much time left I'm so sorry...I'm sorry
Apologizes for the lack of time, reinforcing a sense of urgency and remorse in the speaker's tone.
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