Meaning of "Today's Lesson" by AFI

The lyrics of "Today's Lesson" by AFI delve into the complex themes of self-love, self-hatred, resentment, and personal growth. The narrator presents a strong sense of self-confidence and positivity, with their "cloud always having a silver lining" and the belief that no one can hurt them. This contrasts sharply with the intense self-hatred projected onto another person, ultimately resulting in feelings of hatred and spite towards them. The switch in perspective towards the end of the song, where the narrator acknowledges the other person as their teacher and expresses love towards them despite their self-hatred, illustrates a powerful message about the importance of self-love and empathy for others. The lyrics suggest that learning to love oneself is a vital lesson in life, and that understanding and compassion for those who struggle with self-hatred is equally important. The aggressive tone of the song highlights the internal conflicts and struggles individuals face when dealing with self-esteem issues and emotional pain.