The song "Wish Resign" by Circa Survive explores themes of abandonment and denial. The lyrics describe a motherless cub, abandoned at birth by its mother and left to be raised by others. The narrator expresses a sense of frustration and disbelief at being ignored and denied recognition by the ones who should acknowledge their existence. The song questions why they were brought back to this place and implies that they knew the others would never learn or understand.

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Meaning of "Wish Resign" by Circa Survive


"Wish Resign" delves into the emotions and experiences associated with abandonment and denial of identity. The opening lines present a poignant image of a motherless cub, symbolizing vulnerability and the loss of a nurturing figure. The mention of the midwife adds a layer of tragedy, suggesting that even the one who should have supported the birth mother was absent. This absence is later connected to the denial of recognition, as the narrator reveals that their name is never mentioned to others, effectively erasing them from acknowledgment and connection.

The repeated refrain of "Denying us all of the moment" illustrates the deep-seated pain and bitterness caused by this lack of recognition. By denying the narrator's existence, the others deny them the opportunity to be seen, heard, and understood. This denial perpetuates a cycle of silence, as the narrator laments that they are never mentioned or acknowledged, their identity and significance reduced to nothingness. This can be interpreted as a form of emotional and psychological abandonment.

The lyrics also express a sense of resignation and disillusionment. The line "What brought you back to this place" suggests that the narrator had resigned themselves to the fact that the others would never change or understand. The repetition of "I knew you'd never learn" reinforces this resignation and implies that the narrator has accepted the futility of expecting anything from them. This resignation is further emphasized by the line "It's obvious," implying that the others' lack of understanding and recognition is clear and unsurprising.

Overall, "Wish Resign" portrays the complex emotions experienced by someone who has been abandoned and denied by those who should have provided love and support. It speaks to the universal longing for connection, understanding, and validation, and the pain caused when those desires are unfulfilled.