Meaning of "My Favorite Headache" by Geddy Lee

The lyrics of "My Favorite Headache" explore the themes of isolation, paranoia, and the longing for connection. The protagonist of the song is depicted as standing alone, watching the world around them and feeling detached from it. The mention of the plains of Abraham and the damaged sunrise captures a sense of historical significance and foreshadows the personal struggle the protagonist is experiencing. The repetition of phrases like "once you start hiding" and "once you start watching" conveys a sense of compulsion and an inability to escape their own patterns of behavior. The reference to the ice ages and the line "I want to talk but I haven't got too much to say" indicate a feeling of being stuck in a stagnant period, where communication and expression feel futile. This sentiment is further reinforced by the line "forgive me if I seem to be too realistic," suggesting that the protagonist's perspective may be seen as pessimistic by others. The mention of watching the sea and television as sources of comfort highlights the protagonist's reliance on these solitary activities as a means of finding solace and stability in a chaotic and unpredictable world. Overall, the lyrics convey a deep sense of alienation and a longing for meaningful connection.