Meaning of "The Ghost Inside" by Broken Bells

"The Ghost Inside" explores the theme of selling one's soul for materialistic gains. The opening lines suggest that the woman in question has chosen to exchange her love for the comforts and security that money provides. The lyrics also imply that money helps "cover" any perceived flaws or vulnerabilities, but it cannot truly fulfill her.

The repeated phrase "For that dollar, she's a star tonight" portrays the woman as a performer, putting on a facade to please others. However, the line "Without warning, she gave up the ghost inside" reveals the internal struggles she faces. The ghost inside symbolizes her true self, which she has abandoned to chase monetary success.

The comparison of the woman to a drained whiskey bottle suggests that she has lost her vitality and hope for the future. She feels trapped, forced to endure a life devoid of meaning. The lyric "This good samaritan is shakin' her hand" implies that even those who seem virtuous or helpful are ultimately taking advantage of her situation.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of gender inequality and societal expectations. The mention of chivalry and the phrase "never pull a punch for free" suggests that men are expected to maintain power and dominance at the expense of women. The song criticizes the hypocritical nature of these standards, highlighting the double standards and injustices women face.

The final lines of the song express a sense of longing for a change in the woman's situation. The lyrics imply that the narrator, possibly a love interest or friend, sees through the facade and wants the woman to escape her circumstances. The reference to "carving a moat through the dust in your town" signifies the narrator's determination to create a path to freedom and support the woman, even amidst the rubble of her life.