Meaning of "The Second Great Depression" by Manic Street Preachers

The lyrics of "The Second Great Depression" convey a sense of melancholy and defeat as the protagonist reflects on a period of intense emotional turmoil. The repeated reference to a "second great depression" emphasizes the severity and lasting impact of the sadness and despair they are experiencing. The line "surrounded me and conquered" suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed and defeated by their emotions. The mention of trying to shake it off and the question "Collapse or come together? What happened to forever?" hint at the internal struggle the protagonist is facing in trying to find a way out of their despair. Despite reminiscing about happier times spent with someone, the protagonist can't escape the feeling of emptiness and the inability to move past their pain. The repeated refrain of "Just forget about the rest" reflects a longing for forgiveness and healing, but also a sense of resignation to the current state of sadness. Overall, the lyrics paint a poignant picture of someone grappling with deep emotional distress and seeking a way to break free from it.