Meaning of "The Real" by John Frusciante

"The Real" explores themes of perception, memory, longing, and the transient nature of relationships. The lyrics delve into the existential struggle of trying to discern reality from imagination and the difficulty in finding a true understanding of oneself and others. The opening lines, "I don't know the real from what I thought I saw, I can't remember where I went, where I was," highlight the narrator's confusion and the blurry line between their perceptions and the truth.

The recurring theme of longing is evident throughout the lyrics. The narrator expresses a desire to move towards a point in time where the person they long for exists as a state of mind. There is a yearning to be connected with this person, to be able to read their thoughts. However, this desire also comes with its own complexities and uncertainties as the narrator acknowledges that some of the thoughts they attribute to the other person are actually their own.

The lyrics also touch on the cyclical nature of life and the lack of justification for heartbreak. The line "Nothing's repeating every Monday" suggests a sense of monotony and the futility of expecting anything different from life. The narrator questions the worth of claiming eternal possession of someone, as the jokes and games played by life become tiresome and draining.

Throughout the song, there is a theme of loss and acceptance. The lyrics convey a bittersweet resignation to the fact that things change and people move on. The narrator states, "This constant longing for what's gone," indicating an acceptance of the impermanence of relationships. They find solace in the pain of longing, suggesting that it has saved them in some way or allowed them to grow.

In essence, "The Real" explores the complexities of perception, longing, and acceptance. It delves into the blurred boundaries of reality and imagination, the fleeting nature of relationships, and the profound impact of longing for what is lost.