Meaning of "To Return" by Chevelle

The lyrics of "To Return" by Chevelle touch on themes of captivity, adaptation, and the longing for freedom. The song begins by depicting a return to a cold and unfamiliar environment, which is described as not being enjoyable. This could symbolize a metaphorical return to a place of emotional or psychological coldness, where the protagonist feels isolated and disconnected from others. The mention of "touching the trees no one has known" suggests a sense of exploration and discovery in this new environment.

The lyrics then mention a poor boy who has become a slave to use. This could be interpreted as the protagonist being caught up in a cycle of servitude, where they are constantly being taken advantage of and used by others. The mention of despair moving in close indicates a sense of hopelessness and resignation that comes from being trapped in this situation for too long.

Despite this, there are hints of resilience and defiance in the lyrics. The protagonist has spent "too many years free at last" and has learned to speak up for themselves, even if it means clearing their throat and mustering the courage to stand up for their own rights and dignity. This demonstrates a willingness to fight back against their enslavement and reclaim their autonomy.

The lyrics then mention the need to rebuild what has been left of the protagonist, who is described as a weak child. This could suggest that the protagonist has been diminished and weakened by their experiences, and now they must gather the strength to rebuild themselves and their life. The mention of sorry, changes, and trampling the plan implies that there have been setbacks and obstacles along the way, but the protagonist is determined to overcome them.

The lyrics conclude with the proclamation of being free at last, even though the return to the cold isn't much. This suggests that even a small taste of freedom, no matter how fleeting or challenging, is still something to be grateful for. It speaks to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the protagonist, who remains hopeful and optimistic despite the difficult circumstances they find themselves in.

Overall, "To Return" is a song that explores themes of captivity, adaptation, resilience, and the longing for freedom. It portrays the struggles of an individual who has been trapped and used by others, but who refuses to let their spirit be crushed. It is a reminder to appreciate even the smallest moments of freedom and to never give up on reclaiming one's autonomy.