Meaning of "With or Without U2" by Jawbreaker

The opening lines portray an intense emotional yearning and a sense of emptiness when someone is not present. The repeated plea of "with or without you" hints at a conflict within the relationship - a struggle between needing someone but also feeling like the relationship may be detrimental. The mention of skulls adds a darker, more morbid element to the lyrics, possibly representing obsession or fixation. The reference to turning Japanese, combined with the sense of loss and confusion, might suggest a feeling of losing one's identity or feeling disconnected from reality. The final lines introduce a sense of isolation and alienation, where the speaker feels like a stranger surrounded by people who avoid them. Overall, the lyrics capture a mix of longing, confusion, and alienation, portraying the complexities of relationships and emotions.