Meaning of "Always/Never" by Manic Street Preachers

The lyrics of "Always/Never" delve into the feelings of inadequacy, internal conflict, and a persistent yearning for something more. The repetition of "always, never" conveys a sense of never-ending cycle of desire and disappointment. The lyrics speak to the inner turmoil of wanting to achieve more but constantly feeling like falling short, wanting to be true to oneself but always changing, trying to succeed while also fearing failure. The longing expressed in the lines "To carry the sky away" symbolizes the desire for something beyond reach, an unattainable goal that drives the constant struggle. The song captures the universal theme of feeling stuck in a perpetual state of contradiction, wanting to break free from the self-imposed limitations but feeling trapped in a cycle of "always, never."