Meaning of "Hollow" by Heart Of A Coward

The lyrics of "Hollow" delve into themes of personal struggle, self-destruction, and the impact our choices have on ourselves and others. The song opens with the protagonist returning home to a world that feels ignorant and blind to their inner turmoil. They feel that their life has already been predetermined from the moment they were born. As they continue on their chosen path, the weight on their chest becomes heavier and breathing becomes more difficult. The line "as an oxygen thief" suggests that the protagonist is not only suffocating emotionally but also draining the life force from those around them.

The lyrics go on to describe how the protagonist hides their true nature behind a facade, lying to friends and family and spreading their destructive tendencies like a sickness. The once-solid foundation of friendship becomes nothing more than strangers due to the degradation caused by the protagonist's actions. The lyrics emphasize the hollowness and emptiness that pervades the protagonist's life, describing it as a shallow existence riddled with holes.

The chorus of the song conveys a sense of hopelessness and inevitability. The repeated phrase "we are so hollow" reinforces the emptiness the protagonist feels, and the line "our dreams will die with us" suggests a lack of hope for the future. The song ends with the anguished cry of "Hollow," which serves as an embodiment of the protagonist's emotional state and the realization of the emptiness they have become.

Overall, "Hollow" portrays a person trapped in a cycle of self-destruction and despair, recognizing the impact their choices have on themselves and those around them. The lyrics delve into themes of guilt, regret, and the devaluation of relationships. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of succumbing to one's own destructive tendencies.