The narrator reflects on their past mistakes and wonders if they have lost anything. They feel alone and guilty for letting someone down, but realize that they will only receive what they give. They express a sense of emptiness and lack of divine judgment. The narrator metaphorically dives into a lake and sits on a rock at the bottom, but is forced to resurface for air.

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Meaning of "Get What You Give" by Mick Flannery


The lyrics of "Get What You Give" convey a sense of introspection and self-examination. The narrator seeks to understand the consequences of their actions and the impact they've had on others. They search for any signs of retribution or divine intervention but find none, which amplifies their feelings of isolation and loneliness. The mention of a Saturday night in February adds to the melancholic tone, emphasizing the lack of social activities or companionship. The recurring theme of not having anyone to see or connect with further underscores the narrator's feelings of detachment. They sit with the guilt of disappointing others and recognize that they will only receive what they give, suggesting a belief in karma or the idea that one's actions determine their outcomes. The metaphor of diving into a lake and finding a seat on a rock at the bottom symbolizes the narrator's withdrawal from the world and their desire to escape the consequences of their actions. However, they are ultimately forced to resurface for air, representing an acknowledgment that they cannot fully avoid the repercussions of their choices. Overall, the lyrics explore themes of accountability, isolation, and the desire for redemption.