Meaning of "Wound Up" by Black Flag

"Wound Up" delves into the pain and frustration of unrequited love. The narrator yearns to be noticed by the person they love but always ends up feeling let down. The repetition of "I get so wound up, I feel so let down" emphasizes their disappointment and the cyclical nature of their emotions. The line "Don't you ever see the way I look at you?" highlights the narrator's desperation to be seen and understood by the person they love.

The lyrics also express a sense of longing and desire to prove oneself. The narrator feels like they have a lot to offer and wants to show the person their worth. However, they struggle with articulating their feelings, as seen in the line "My brain is slow to move." This suggests that the narrator may struggle with expressing their emotions verbally, leading them to resort to writing and singing as an outlet.

The song conveys the narrator's intense emotions and the deep connection they feel towards the person they love. Keeping a picture of them deep in their heart symbolizes a lasting and unchanging affection. The line "I have strong emotions, I keep them to myself" portrays the narrator's internal struggle, keeping their feelings hidden and grappling with the pain of unrequited love.

Overall, "Wound Up" captures the anguish and longing that comes with unrequited love. It explores the frustrations of feeling overlooked and unheard, while also highlighting the narrator's yearning to express their emotions and be understood.