Meaning of "Enjoy The Silence" by Nada Surf

The lyrics of "Enjoy The Silence" delve into the limitations of language and the profound impact of silence in expressing emotions. The opening lines, "Words like violence, Break the silence, Come crashing in, Into my little world," suggest that words have the power to disrupt and destroy the tranquility of inner thoughts and emotions. The speaker feels the pain caused by words, as they "Pierce right through" them, highlighting their vulnerability. The plea, "Can't you understand, Oh, my little girl," conveys a desire for true understanding beyond the confines of words.

The chorus, "All I ever wanted, All I ever needed, Is here in my arms, Words are very unnecessary, They can only do harm," underscores the idea that true connection and fulfillment lie in the physical presence and embrace of a loved one, rather than in verbal communication. The repetition of this chorus throughout the song emphasizes the speaker's conviction.

Furthermore, the line "Pleasures remain, So does the pain, Words are meaningless, And forgettable" implies that the experience of pleasure and pain transcends the realm of words. Words are described as meaningless and forgettable, further reinforcing their insignificance in expressing the depth of human emotions.

The concept of vows spoken "To be broken" highlights the superficiality and transience of words, while the intensity of feelings is contrasted with the triviality of words. The overall message of the song revolves around the notion that words can only cause harm and fail to capture the true essence of emotions.