Meaning of "Lie For A Lie" by Built To Spill

The lyrics of "Lie For A Lie" delve into the complexities of human relationships and the prevalence of deception within them. The repetitive nature of "A lie for a lie, a truth for a truth" highlights the idea of an endless cycle of dishonesty and honesty that exists between individuals. There is a sense of resignation in the singer's tone, as they acknowledge that lying is something that everyone does, even though they had hoped to rise above it. The mention of a mysterious girl in the dreams who is perfect but unknown could symbolize an idealized version of truth or honesty that the singer desires but cannot attain in reality. The line "Close enough so don't explain" indicates a lack of effort in understanding each other's true thoughts and feelings, leading to miscommunication and misunderstandings. The song captures the bittersweet realization that lies and truths are intertwined in human interactions, and that sometimes it is easier to accept the lies rather than strive for complete honesty.