Meaning of "What the Hell Have I" by Alice In Chains

The lyrics of "What the Hell Have I" by Alice In Chains delve into themes of deception, isolation, and regret. The narrator describes a face that mocks them and hides its true intentions behind a mask, symbolizing duplicity and betrayal. The distance between the narrator and this enigmatic figure grows, leading to a sense of being fed lies and experiencing difficulty in rebuilding relationships. The repeated refrain of "It's hard to start things over" emphasizes the challenges of moving past betrayal and rebuilding trust. The mention of feeling surrounded by fire suggests intense emotions and possibly a sense of being consumed by regret and frustration. The question "What the hell have I, Led awry?" reflects the narrator's confusion and self-doubt, wondering how they ended up in a situation full of deceit and betrayal. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of emotional turmoil and grappling with the consequences of misplaced trust and deception.