lateral move
Identity Unveiled
Lyrics
My name is not my name
Expression of personal identity dissociated from the given name.
But I still hear it all the same
Despite the name change, the individual still hears it, indicating a lingering connection.
It’s swinging back and forth like a street sign
Comparing the name's impact to a swinging street sign in chaos, suggesting instability.
In a late fall hurricane
Metaphor of a late fall hurricane symbolizing a turbulent period.
Just another tiny island
Describing personal insignificance in a vast, binary (digital) world.
In a vast binary sea
Feeling disconnected from the binary sea, emphasizing current priorities.
I can’t relate to that right now
Current inability to relate to the chaotic external circumstances.
I’ve got bigger fish to leave
Choosing to focus on more significant issues, implying a sense of purpose.
My name is not my name
Reiteration of the disconnection between the name and current identity.
It’s an echo of who I used to be
The name echoes the past self, emphasizing change and evolution.
It’s sitting there between my legs
The name's physical location suggests discomfort and vulnerability.
Where your attention shouldn’t be
Addressing inappropriate attention and asserting personal boundaries.
“What you got under your skirt?”
Confrontation with a disrespectful question about gender presentation.
None of your fuckin’ business, man
Firm refusal to disclose personal information, emphasizing privacy.
Whether sir or ma’am or that one there
Asserting the right to define one's identity, irrespective of societal norms.
I’m whatever I say I am
Declaration of self-determination and resistance to external expectations.
And don’t forget it
An emphatic reminder to remember and respect the asserted identity.
Here lies the boy who thought it would all fall into place
Reflecting on a person who anticipated a smooth life transition but failed.
Here lies the girl who never found what she thought was the way
Highlighting a person who didn't find the expected path, challenging stereotypes.
Here lies the secret: they’re both one and the same
Revealing a shared secret: both individuals from lines 20 and 21 are the same.
And if no one’s ashamed
Emphasizing a lack of shame in their shared identity, advocating self-acceptance.
Then no one’s to blame
Suggesting a lack of blame when there's no shame, reinforcing self-empowerment.
Comment