The narrator is on the road, burdened by a heavy load and feeling disoriented. They express anger towards their contractual obligations and a sense of entitlement by resorting to violence. The narrator reflects on their past actions of causing death and destruction, but also acknowledges the need for emotional release and empathy. They address a lover, reassuring them that they are a sensitive person despite their destructive tendencies. The narrator encourages their lover to put on a brave face and not dwell on the past. The song ends with a repeated plea for understanding, comparing their cries to a sad whale song.

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Meaning of "The Road Behind" by Gwar


"The Road Behind" by Gwar explores themes of personal struggles, self-reflection, and the contrast between violence and vulnerability. The lyrics seem to depict the internal conflicts and emotional turmoil of the narrator. The sense of carrying a heavy load and staggering around in a stupor may represent the weight of their past actions and the consequences they have to bear. The anger towards contractual obligations suggests a feeling of being trapped or controlled by external forces.

The narrator's violent outburst towards the crew and destruction of the deli-tray reveal a darker, aggressive side. This could symbolize their frustration and desire for control, causing them to lash out and assert their dominance. However, the puking on every page of the million-dollar contract shows a rebellious act of defiance, perhaps suggesting a rejection of society's expectations and materialistic pursuits.

Amidst the violence and aggression, there is a glimpse of vulnerability and remorse. The narrator acknowledges that there is more to life than causing harm, expressing a desire for emotional connection and understanding. The line "Y'know I snuffed a million planets, but I still find time to cry" juxtaposes their immense destructive power with a human capacity for empathy and emotional release. This suggests that even those who commit great acts of violence can still experience and express emotions, making them more complex than just their destructive actions.

The narrator's address to a lover portrays a conflicting desire for love and understanding, while also urging them to move forward and not dwell on the past. The repeated plea to "put those clown britches on" can be interpreted as an encouragement to adopt a brave face or a confident persona, despite the internal struggles and destructive tendencies.

The reference to being "roadkill baby" and scraping them in their arms could symbolize finding value or redemption in someone who has been discarded or mistreated by others. The comparison to a wattle flapping on a turkey farm further emphasizes this image of being unappreciated or disposable.

Overall, "The Road Behind" delves into the complexity of human emotions, the struggle between violence and vulnerability, and the longing for understanding and connection despite a history of destruction.