Meaning of "Birds of a Feather" by Kind Of Like Spitting

The lyrics of "Birds of a Feather" delve into the insecurities and doubts that can plague a relationship. The opening line, "By the nape of my neck you can hand me down, to forge a little more in the quiet that we found," hints at the emotional vulnerability and the desire to find solace and connection with someone else. The phrase "hand me down" suggests a lack of agency and control in the relationship, as if one person is being used or discarded by the other.

The repetition of the phrase "Only so much time you can waste on me, there's only so much time you can waste on me" emphasizes a fear of being abandoned due to their perceived unworthiness. Both individuals believe they are not deserving of love and attention, creating a cycle of insecurity that can lead to self-sabotage. They express doubt in their partner's love, mentioning that they sometimes believe in a punishment for lack of faith from God. This could imply a fear of retribution for not fully reciprocating or believing in the love being offered.

The line "You feel fat and I feel ugly" highlights their mutual insecurities and negative self-perception. They see themselves as flawed and unattractive, which affects their ability to fully accept love from each other. This shared experience of feeling unworthy creates a sense of understanding and solidarity in their relationship, but it also acts as a barrier, as they admit that "Together we don't like anybody." Their individual issues prevent them from fully embracing and connecting with others, reinforcing their doubts and fears of abandonment.

Towards the end of the song, the narrator realizes that their partner is likely to run away from the relationship. The line "I feel sick 'cause I know you're gonna run, but I can't blame you" suggests a resignation to the fact that their insecurities and self-doubt may drive their partner away. They understand that their issues can become burdensome, yet they are unable to change or fully blame their partner for leaving. This acceptance of their flaws and the impending loss serves as a bittersweet conclusion to the exploration of their complex relationship dynamics.