Meaning of "Connector" by A Lot Like Birds

The lyrics in "Connector" delve into the pervasive theme of disconnection and decay. The speaker opens by describing the lack of awareness that others have towards their existence. Hands that once held tightly no longer connect, and the world becomes disconnected. The imagery of peeling paint on the walls symbolizes the deterioration of relationships and the need to cover up the flaws before everything falls apart. The hallway connecting these disconnected rooms represents a metaphorical journey through life that is traversed alone. The speaker longs to escape the confines of reality, wishing they didn't dream. The melancholic emotion they experience becomes a favorite feeling, highlighting a sense of comfort in sadness. The whispering walls and endless corridor further emphasize the loneliness and disconnection. The speaker chooses to ignore the difference between chasing ghosts in dreams and chasing dreams in life, suggesting a blurred line between reality and illusion.

The lyrics also touch upon the notion of simply existing without being truly seen or understood by others. The speaker reflects on the selective perception of people, wherein those closest to us often fail to see our true selves. The idea of staying out of each other's way and avoiding turmoil becomes a coping mechanism, but it ultimately leads to buried emotions and a lack of fulfillment. The ghost that the speaker sees represents unresolved issues or past traumas that haunt them, always just out of reach. The repetition of phrases like "Doll it up!" and "Cover it up!" highlights the tendency to hide imperfections and pretend everything is fine. However, this only leads to a false sense of security, as buried emotions eventually resurface and unlock the hidden turmoil. The lyrics question whether true happiness, clarity, and peace of mind can ever be found amidst this cycle of denial.

Towards the end of the lyrics, there is a shift in perspective. The speaker acknowledges that time is running out, and the crumbling walls symbolize the decay of their dreams. The question arises of whether they selfishly erased their own happiness by focusing on superficial matters, represented by filling mirrors with their own faces. The vultures circling and feeding off their pain symbolize the predatory nature of the world, unable to discern between genuine life and a life devoid of passion. The song concludes with the plea to see and acknowledge the hidden pain in those closest to us.