Meaning of "State Hospital" by Frightened Rabbit

The lyrics of "State Hospital" portray a bleak and harsh reality for the protagonist, symbolizing a broader commentary on the difficulties faced by individuals who are born into adverse circumstances. The imagery of the "state hospital birth" and the "kitchen knife" suggest a sense of violence and struggle in the protagonist's upbringing, while phrases like "forced to be brave" and "born into a grave" emphasize a feeling of being trapped and burdened by her past. The references to societal pressures and expectations, such as being told she could never run far or feeling like a curse word in a pedestrian verse, illustrate the pervasive influence of external forces on her sense of self-worth. The repeated comparisons to concrete and breezeblocks evoke a sense of heaviness and immovability, reflecting the weight of the past and the challenges she faces in trying to break free. Ultimately, the song concludes on a note of hope and resilience, suggesting that despite the struggles and challenges, there is still room for redemption and renewal.