Meaning of "What I Deserve" by Kelly Willis

The lyrics of "What I Deserve" delve into themes of longing, despair, and a search for meaning in a world filled with disappointment and broken dreams. The speaker's lament about not getting what they deserve highlights a deep dissatisfaction with life, relationships, and perhaps even themselves. The mention of tears, thin skin, and shaken soul underscores the vulnerability and emotional pain the speaker carries. Despite their best efforts, they feel disconnected from their true self, questioning their actions and identity. The reference to dusty earth and starry skies symbolizes a search for comfort and solace in nature and the universe, yet even these fail to provide the healing the speaker seeks. The loss of faith and hope, as well as the feeling of growing old and tired, depict a soul in turmoil, struggling to find a way out of the darkness. Overall, "What I Deserve" offers a poignant reflection on the human experience of suffering, loss, and the relentless quest for meaning and redemption in a world that often falls short of our expectations.