Meaning of "Trimmed And Burning" by Built To Spill

The lyrics of "Trimmed And Burning" by Built To Spill delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The protagonist reflects on their struggles with understanding their fears, feeling unable to fully articulate them to others. The mention of a light that never goes out burning a hole inside suggests a lingering pain or inner turmoil that is hard to extinguish. The metaphor of keeping lamps trimmed and burning serves as a warning to remain vigilant and alert to the difficult truths one might uncover. The final lines reveal a conflicted sense of love; while the protagonist has agreed to always love the other person, they also acknowledge that this love is not enough to set them free, hinting at a sense of emotional entrapment. Overall, the song captures the complexities of love, fear, and the inner struggles that can come with them.