Meaning of "The Remedy" by Abandoned Pools

"The Remedy" explores themes of disillusionment, numbness, and escape. The lyrics convey a sense of pain and emptiness, with the narrator expressing a longing for relief from these feelings. The repeated line "Then you can be the remedy, and I can be the enemy" illustrates a desire for someone else to provide comfort or distraction, while the narrator willingly takes on a more destructive role. By doing so, the narrator can distance themselves from the pain and responsibility of their own life.

The choice of words, such as "novacaine," "fuse," and "scar," suggests a desire for numbing the emotional pain rather than addressing it directly. The narrator views their own soul as a fuse that can be extinguished by finding someone else to fill the void. The concept of being the "remedy" and the "wanna be" implies a reliance on others for validation and purpose, rather than finding fulfillment from within.

The lyrics also touch on the shallow nature of the world, suggesting that it is difficult to find depth and meaning in a society focused on material possessions and superficial desires. The line "When you can't beg, steal, or borrow" indicates a realization that traditional methods of finding fulfillment, such as begging, stealing, or borrowing happiness, are ultimately useless. The narrator recognizes the hollowness of such pursuits and finds them impossible to swallow.

Overall, "The Remedy" reflects a yearning for escape and relief, as well as a disillusionment with the superficiality of the world. It conveys a longing for someone or something to provide solace and numbness in order to temporarily escape the pain and emptiness.