Meaning of "Look On" by John Frusciante

The lyrics of "Look On" delve into themes of identity, disillusionment, and existential questioning. The repeated line "I can't get through" reflects the narrator's struggles to break free from the knots in their mind and find their true self. They resent the person they have become, feeling disconnected and lost. The mention of a paper and a pencil as their best friends symbolizes their reliance on art and self-expression to navigate their inner turmoil.

The narrative takes a turn as the narrator recounts a visit to downtown LA where they are confronted by the police. Despite not receiving what they wanted from this encounter, they express a lack of concern, realizing that life is often deceiving and unpredictable. This realization prompts the refrain to "look on," urging the listener to adopt a perspective of detachment and observation in the face of life's challenges.

The lyrics further explore the notion of missed opportunities and regret. The line "I skipped a life to be here" suggests the narrator's sacrifice or abandonment of a different path in order to arrive at their current situation. They acknowledge being plagued by bad luck and yearning for a return to a time when things felt more meaningful and whole.

The mention of Vincent calling as a set-up introduces an element of betrayal or deceit, adding to the narrator's sense of disillusionment with life. They feel as though they have lost their fame, perhaps referencing a period of success or recognition that has since faded. The desire to "do it again" reflects their longing to regain that previous state of satisfaction and fulfillment.

As the song progresses, the narrator declares themselves as a separate entity from their past self, suggesting a transformation or evolution of their identity. However, in their current state, they feel unwanted and devoid of purpose. The mention of flipping through empty pages that they thought they wrote on represents a loss of control over their own narrative and difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy.

Overall, "Look On" presents a complex and introspective analysis of the narrator's struggle with identity, disillusionment, and the fleeting nature of fulfillment. It encourages the listener to adopt a detached and observant mindset in order to navigate life's challenges and uncertainties.