Meaning of "The Settlement" by Issues

The song "The Settlement" delves into the complex emotions of feeling neglected and unloved by someone who should have been a source of comfort and support. The lyrics express a deep sense of betrayal and hurt caused by the lack of attention and affection from a loved one, possibly a parent or a significant other. The imagery of "hands that made me whole" being the ones that now cause division and pain creates a powerful contrast between past and present relationships. The repeated lines about wanting more time and wasted love emphasize the longing for a connection that was never fully realized. The inner conflict of feeling torn between surviving with a broken heart or holding on to the hope that love should have been blind to the shortcomings of the other person is a universal struggle with relationships that have turned toxic. Overall, the song conveys the emotional turmoil of feeling abandoned and hurt by someone who played a significant role in shaping the narrator's sense of self.