The lyrics narrate the speaker acknowledging their own self-destructive behavior, admitting to taking things too far repeatedly and nearly losing someone they love. The speaker reflects on their cruelty and selfishness, citing astrological traits of being a Libra and feeling the grass is always greener. The song portrays a sense of recklessness and impending loss in a city filled with chaos and transience.

Meaning of "Selfish Son" by Bloc Party

The lyrics of "Selfish Son" by Bloc Party delve into themes of self-awareness, self-destruction, and the consequences of one's actions on relationships. The repetition of "I took it too far again" highlights a pattern of behavior where the speaker constantly pushes boundaries to test their limits, ultimately leading to almost losing a significant person in their life. The acknowledgment of being cruel and selfish underscores a sense of guilt and remorse, with the speaker expressing love alongside these negative traits. The reference to being a "Typical Libra" could symbolize a desire for balance and fairness, yet the self-sabotaging tendencies contradict these traits. The imagery of a city on borrowed time, filled with taxi meters and police sirens, amplifies the chaotic nature of the speaker's experiences and the fragility of their relationships. Overall, the lyrics reflect a complex internal struggle, balancing recklessness with longing for connection and understanding the impact of one's actions on others.