Meaning of "Burned Out" by Dodie

"Burned Out" is a melancholic reflection on the emptiness and disillusionment that can come with fame and success. The lyrics convey the speaker's sense of detachment and isolation despite being adored by thousands of fans. The opening lines emphasize the speaker's initial naïveté and belief in the promise of their dreams and ideas, only to later discover that reality falls short of these expectations. The repeated refrain of "But they love you!" highlights the ironic juxtaposition between the adoration the speaker receives and their underlying dissatisfaction. The thousands of eyes described symbolize the masses of fans who long for a connection with the artist, projecting their own desires onto them. However, the speaker realizes that these adoring fans can only provide superficial comfort, like a temporary coat of warmth. The lyrics further explore the struggle for authenticity in a world that values image and praise over genuine connection. The line "Words only get through if they're sharp" suggests that the speaker's true thoughts and emotions can only penetrate the surface if expressed through poignant and piercing language. The desperation and frustration expressed in the outro demonstrate the speaker's conflicted feelings about openly discussing their struggles. They grapple with the choice of whether to be vulnerable and risk exposing the brokenness beneath their fame or remain silent and accept the superficial image that has been constructed for them. Ultimately, the song is a poignant critique of the shallow nature of fame and the importance of maintaining one's authenticity in the face of societal pressures.