Meaning of "Branches/Bones" by Nine Inch Nails

The lyrics of "Branches/Bones" seem to convey a sense of disillusionment, hopelessness, and numbness in the face of an overwhelming and deteriorating reality. The imagery of spiders, infection, makeup hiding bruises, and broken bones alludes to themes of decay, concealment, and pain. The repetition of the lines "Feels like I've been here before" and "I don't care anymore" suggest a cycle of despair and resignation, with the speaker feeling trapped in a never-ending loop of despair. The mention of time speeding up while parts of the speaker slow down further underscores a sense of disorientation and loss of agency in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a bleak and desolate landscape where the speaker is struggling to make sense of a reality that feels increasingly alien and hostile.