Meaning of "Birth-Marked" by Oceans Ate Alaska

The lyrics of "Birth-Marked" paint a heartbreaking picture of a child who has suffered deep emotional wounds at the hands of a neglectful and abusive parent. The repetition of "Just a child" emphasizes the innocence and vulnerability of the narrator, highlighting the injustice of the mistreatment they have endured. The lyrics describe the pain of being unloved, unwanted, and abandoned, as well as the lasting scars that this kind of trauma leaves. Despite the darkness and despair in the lyrics, there is also a glimmer of hope for healing and love, even in the face of such deep emotional wounds. The final lines, "Waste away, Though you gave me life, you're fucking dead to me, Waste away" encapsulate the complex mix of emotions that come with grappling with the betrayal and neglect of a caregiver. Ultimately, "Birth-Marked" is a powerful exploration of the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.