Meaning of "Violent Inside" by Joyce Manor

The lyrics of "Violent Inside" delve into the internal struggles and frustrations of the narrator. The line "You don't say I don't stand too close, because I never learned how to act right" suggests a sense of social awkwardness or feeling like an outsider. The narrator feels misunderstood and mistreated by others, as indicated by the line "You'll go looking for an excuse to feel sad or confused when all you want to do is let them all feel abuse." This reveals a desire to retaliate against those who have hurt them emotionally.

The mention of taking a letter "I" and an "S" from a sentence signifies stripping away one's identity or sense of self. This could imply a feeling of insignificance or being overshadowed by the opinions or judgments of others. The reference to a well-dressed person suggests a surface-level appearance of confidence or success, which contrasts with the narrator's underlying violent tendencies.

The repeated phrase "I feel violent because I feel violent all the time inside of me" highlights the narrator's ongoing struggle with their own internal turmoil. It underscores a deep-rooted anger or frustration that constantly simmers within, leading to a conflict between their desire for peace and their violent impulses.

Overall, the lyrics capture a sense of alienation, self-expression, and internal battles. The narrator grapples with feelings of insecurity, seeking solace in their own violent thoughts. It explores the complexity of human emotion and the consequences of suppressing or grappling with violent tendencies internally.