Meaning of "Crippled Inside" by John Lennon

The lyrics of "Crippled Inside" convey a message about the futility of attempting to hide one's true emotions and struggles. The song suggests that no matter how well one may present themselves on the outside, their inner pain will always shine through. The opening lines highlight the superficiality of appearances, suggesting that it is easy to put on a smile or wear a suit but much harder to conceal the inner suffering. By using phrases like "wear a mask" and "paint your face," the song criticizes those who try to hide behind facades, urging listeners to be authentic and true to themselves. The repetition of the line "One thing you can't hide is when you're crippled inside" reinforces the central message, emphasizing that internal pain and emotional struggles cannot be concealed forever.

The lyrics also touch upon societal issues such as race and hypocrisy. The line "You can judge me by the color of my skin" alludes to the discriminatory treatment and prejudice faced by people of color. Lennon criticizes the idea of making judgments based on external factors, urging listeners to look beyond surface appearances. The reference to going to church and singing a hymn highlights the hypocrisy of those who claim to be righteous or moral but live a life of deceit and falsehood. The song encourages listeners to embrace honesty and authenticity while cautioning against living a life of pretense and lies.

Ultimately, "Crippled Inside" serves as a reminder that it is better to face one's inner struggles and pain openly rather than attempting to conceal it. The song promotes the idea of embracing vulnerability and authenticity, rejecting the societal pressure to hide one's true emotions and inner battles.