Meaning of "Cut-Out" by John Frusciante

The lyrics of "Cut-Out" delve into the experience of feeling disjointed and disconnected from oneself and others. The opening lines, "Your number fakes coming along without you, Knowing a shift took place" suggest that the protagonist feels like an imposter, as if they are not truly present in their own life. They are aware of a change, possibly a significant event or personal growth, but it has left them feeling disoriented and without a sense of identity.

The mention of the father figure, "Your father hooks a wing about you," implies a desire for guidance and support. However, the protagonist's attempts to navigate their fragmented existence are futile, expressed through the lines "If you flail this broken sword around you'll, Cut nothing up." They feel stuck, unable to make progress or bring resolution to their internal struggles.

The chorus, "Again we'll face these things when they're dead issues, Moments take each others place," highlights the cyclical nature of life. Issues and moments come and go, and the protagonist finds themselves caught in a repetitive pattern of facing the same challenges without resolution. The line "Born and forgotten the same way" alludes to the transient nature of existence, where individuals are born into the world and eventually fade away, often without fully discovering their true selves.

The repeated phrase, "Never knowing who you are," reflects the central theme of searching for identity and meaning. The uncertainty and lack of self-awareness are depicted through the repetition of "Are" at the end, emphasizing the protagonist's longing for a sense of self and stability.

Overall, "Cut-Out" explores the struggle to find one's place in the world, the grappling with personal identity, and the desire for something or someone to provide guidance and clarity. It speaks to the universal human experience of feeling fragmented, disconnected, and constantly searching for a deeper understanding of oneself.