Meaning of "Faking The Books" by Lali Puna

"Faking The Books" explores the internal conflict between the desire for authenticity and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The repetition of "We've been done before" emphasizes the idea that the narrator has experienced disappointment or betrayal in the past, possibly in relationships or personal endeavors. This history of being let down has led to a reluctance to be vulnerable and a fear of revealing true emotions or thoughts.

The line "And now we try to forge ourselves" reveals the attempt to create a new version of themselves, one that is perhaps more controlled and guarded. This can be seen as a defense mechanism, a way to protect oneself from potential hurt or rejection in the future. However, the repetition of "I'll be true again" suggests that there is still a desire for genuine connection and honesty.

The phrase "fake the books" can be interpreted metaphorically as maintaining a facade or pretending to be something they're not. This can be seen as a way to fit into societal norms or meet the expectations of others. The lyrics imply that this act of "faking" is a necessary step in navigating the world, but it is not a fulfilling or sustainable state. The line "This ain't heaven until everybody knows" points to the idea that true happiness or fulfillment cannot be achieved until one's true self is acknowledged and accepted by others.

The repetition of "We've been wrong before" and "There is a lot that we survived" highlights the resilience of the narrator and suggests a history of overcoming challenges and mistakes. It is possible that these experiences have contributed to a heightened fear of vulnerability and a need to control how they are perceived. By acknowledging the past and what they have been through, the narrator strives to avoid repeating the same mistakes and seeks to find authenticity once again.

In essence, "Faking The Books" delves into the struggle of presenting a false image while desiring genuine connection and acceptance. The lyrics depict the tension between societal conformity and personal authenticity, ultimately suggesting that true fulfillment can only be found when one is able to be their true self and have that truth acknowledged and embraced by others.