Meaning of "Headspace" by Archive

The meaning of the lyrics in "Headspace" revolves around the internal battle against a negative force that permeates the narrator's mind. The phrase "go away" emphasizes the desire to remove this harmful presence from their thoughts and headspace. The presence is described as filling the narrator's headspace with evil thoughts and unkindness, highlighting the detrimental impact it has on their mental state. The line "you move with hate, your darkness my light cannot take" suggests that the negativity embodied by this presence is overpowering and threatens to extinguish any positivity in the narrator's life.

The lyrics touch upon the ability of the toxic presence to deceive without hesitation, revealing the manipulative nature of this force. However, the narrator claims to have an open heart, suggesting that they are not easily deceived by this negativity. They portray a sense of resilience and strength in acknowledging that they can do without the presence and opting to distance themselves from its influence.

The second verse introduces a complex dynamic in the relationship between the narrator and the toxic force. The line "You say you hurt yourself when you fuss around" alludes to the idea that the presence may also be detrimental to itself. Despite this, the narrator feels their soul being penetrated when the presence directs its gaze and touches with desire "on another domain." This suggests that the force is not only negative but also possessive and potentially envious of others' happiness or fulfillment.

The following lines shift towards self-empowerment and self-reflection. The narrator tells themselves to "walt tall, head held high, don't look behind" as they seek to find strength and move forward from the negative influence. They acknowledge that searching for good things when looking back may not be fruitful, implying that dwelling on the past or finding solace in it will not help them overcome the toxic presence.

The final lines introduce imagery of celebration and pain, with nails and blood symbolizing sacrifice. The mention of a moon halfway clear in the sky evokes a sense of obscured revelation, suggesting that the toxic presence may also be unaware of certain aspects or perspectives. The word choice of "weakened flesh" conveys vulnerability, perhaps indicating a struggle against the presence's influence on the physical body.

Overall, the lyrics in "Headspace" depict a battle with a toxic force that invades the narrator's mind and seeks to manipulate and deceive. However, the narrator maintains a sense of resilience, recognizing their own ability to rise above the negativity and find strength within themselves.