Meaning of "King of Anything" by Beartooth

The lyrics of "King of Anything" explore the theme of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to a certain image. The song touches upon the internal struggle of feeling inadequate and the desire for acceptance. The opening lines illustrate the mental burden they are experiencing, as they can no longer tolerate the negative thoughts that plague their mind. There is a sense of desperation as they mention others projecting stories onto them and suggesting that they would be better off dead. This highlights the cruelty and insensitivity they face from people who expect them to be perfect.

The chorus reveals their realization that they are far from perfect but refuse to be worshipped or blamed for their flaws. Despite this, the protagonist feels like they have been put on a pedestal by those around them, perhaps due to the false image they have projected. There is a plea from the speaker to have the false perceptions taken back, as they do not want the burden of being seen as the "king of anything." This suggests a disdain for being put on a high pedestal and the pressure that comes with it.

In the second verse, the protagonist expresses their exhaustion with the pain associated with trying to meet the expectations of others. They admit to attempting to be the person everyone wants them to be but questioning whether they should be content with who they truly are. The line "I know I'm just a child but I'll try to be a man" reflects their determination to grow and mature, despite the internal struggles they face.

Overall, "King of Anything" portrays a deeply personal struggle with societal demands and the conflict it creates within oneself. It explores the tension between the desire for acceptance and the reluctance to conform, emphasizing the individual's desire to be recognized and valued for their authentic self.