Meaning of "Man of the Year" by Dance Gavin Dance

The lyrics of "Man of the Year" by Dance Gavin Dance delve into the complexities of human desire, specifically the struggle to resist temptations and remain faithful. The repeated refrain of "Promise to be faithful when you go, go, go, go" conveys a sense of urgency and the need for self-control. The admonishment to keep one's eyes down and not gaze on others suggests a warning against comparing oneself to others or seeking validation from external sources. The line "Siren songs can pull you under" is a metaphor for the allure of destructive influences that can lead one astray.

The verses of the song touch on different aspects of this struggle. Lines like "Crawling through the clouds that morph into mouths" evoke a sense of vulnerability and the feeling of being swallowed up by one's own desires. The reference to being hollowed out suggests the danger of losing one's authenticity and true self in the pursuit of pleasure or validation.

The theme of pride is also explored in the lyrics. The line "Pride, feed me pride I'm fiending" speaks to the desire for recognition and the need to feel important. However, it is juxtaposed with the admission that pride is draining, and the singer would rather have the person causing them pain be dead than continue to compromise their own well-being.

The song also touches on the fear of starting over and the reluctance to face one's own self-doubt. The line "I had it all in the palm of my hand, didn't have the time to start over again" suggests a fear of failure and the difficulty of rebuilding after experiencing setbacks.

Overall, the lyrics of "Man of the Year" convey a sense of internal struggle, the battle between desires and the need for self-control, and the fear of losing oneself in the pursuit of external validation.