Meaning of "Make Believe" by KoRn

"Make Believe" delves into the complex relationship between pain, self-deception, and escapism. The speaker acknowledges the presence of "fucked people" and "shit" in their life, paradoxically expressing gratitude towards them. These elements represent the hardships and negative experiences that have shaped the speaker's identity and function as a source of familiarity. The speaker admits that these influences have made them who they are, referencing their creations straight from the heart. This suggests that the pain they have experienced has fueled their creativity and artistic expression.

The speaker also reveals their tendency to cling to the faces of their mind, indicating a reliance on memories and fantasies to cope with their current reality. They feel pursued by hate and the negative emotions that haunt them, acknowledging how it breaks them. Despite this awareness, the speaker admits to taking everything, suggesting that they are complicit in perpetuating their own suffering. The repetition of "the shit seems to follow" emphasizes the inescapable nature of these negative experiences and emotions.

The lyrics also touch on the speaker's desire to "make" their own reality, specifically focusing on creating the "fucked people" and eliminating them. This desire for control over their environment can be seen as a manifestation of their need to escape from the pain they constantly endure. The line, "all my dreams are ripped apart," further emphasizes the speaker's disillusionment and the fracture of their aspirations.

The bridge of the song introduces a plea for help, suggesting that the speaker is overwhelmed by their circumstances and yearns for a reprieve. They express a hatred towards their own life and seek intervention from a higher power, expressing a desire to replay or rewind their existence. This desperation further enhances the theme of escapism throughout the song.

In essence, the lyrics of "Make Believe" explore the complex interplay between pain, self-deception, escapism, and the impact of negative experiences on one's identity. The speaker finds comfort in the familiarity of their suffering, yet they also express a deep longing for release and the ability to create a different reality.