Meaning of "As You Were" by Alkaline Trio

The lyrics of "As You Were" delve deep into themes of regret, self-loathing, and the desire to escape from a situation that feels stagnant and suffocating. The repeated imagery of stale beer, cigarette boats, and a field lacking sunshine paint a picture of a life that is dull and unfulfilling, with a sense of stagnation and decay. The narrator's wish to erase the past nine years of their life highlights a deep sense of regret and longing for a fresh start. References to being put down like a teenager's first drink or a prostitute in court touch upon feelings of worthlessness and being cast aside. The repeated refrain of "Praying for you to fall" reflects a toxic desire for someone else's downfall, stemming from a place of bitterness and self-pity. Overall, the lyrics explore complex emotions of regret, self-sabotage, and a longing for change in a situation that feels hopeless and suffocating.