Meaning of "Woke Up This Morning" by Nickelback

The lyrics of "Woke Up This Morning" delve into the complex emotions of the narrator. The song begins by describing a funeral where the narrator appears to have severed ties with someone or something. He expresses a sense of finality, having already said his goodbyes and feeling no need for further communication. The tiny church and town suggest a closed-off and isolated environment. The lack of tears may indicate an emotional detachment, possibly indicating a long-standing struggle to express emotions. The line, "Not how I wanted it, I'm hating all of this," suggests a deep disdain for his current state, possibly feeling trapped or unsatisfied.

The second verse introduces a different perspective, suggesting a romantic relationship or newfound connection with someone. The narrator confesses to hiding his love on certain days, indicating a fear of vulnerability and potentially past experiences of rejection or heartbreak. The metaphor of "keeping this bottled inside me" suggests the suppression of emotions, highlighting the narrator's tendency to hold back his true feelings. However, someone has managed to break down his emotional walls and "tore this wall down around [him]." The sudden exposure and vulnerability make him feel uneasy, leading to a sense of self-loathing. The repetition of feeling like "shit" in the morning further emphasizes his negativity and overall dissatisfaction.

In a broader sense, the song portrays the internal struggle of someone who has grown accustomed to hiding their emotions and avoiding vulnerability. The fear of rejection and the expectation that no one can accept them as they are leads to a deep-rooted self-hatred. The funeral scene serves as a metaphor for letting go of these past patterns and finding a way to break free from the emotional prison. The conflicting emotions of resentment, self-hatred, and the desire for emotional connection create a complex emotional landscape within the lyrics.