Meaning of "Rubbertooth" by Element Eighty

The lyrics of "Rubbertooth" by Element Eighty convey a sense of anger and betrayal towards someone who has deeply hurt or betrayed the narrator. The repeated line "Devil's in my shoebox, You were in my shoebox" suggests that the person being addressed has caused pain and turmoil, similar to the presence of a devil. The shoebox symbolizes a container for the narrator's emotions, thoughts, and experiences. By stating "For you will never see the songs I wrote, For you will never hear the words I spoke," the narrator implies that their true feelings and thoughts have been concealed, shared only through the songs they have written. However, it appears that the person being addressed will not have the opportunity to truly understand or appreciate them. The repetition of "Devil's in my shoebox, You were in my shoebox" emphasizes the feeling of betrayal and the presence of the person within the narrator's innermost thoughts.

The concluding line, "Throw the shoebox in the dumpster," signifies the desire to discard or let go of the emotional burden represented by the shoebox. It suggests a need to move on from the pain caused by the person addressed in the song. The act of throwing the shoebox away symbolizes the cathartic act of releasing the hidden emotions and freeing oneself from the negative influence of the individual in question. Overall, the lyrics of "Rubbertooth" convey a strong sense of frustration, anger, and the need for closure and liberation from the pain inflicted by someone who was once close.