Meaning of "Instincts" by Of Mice & Men

The lyrics of "Instincts" explore the theme of facing deception and the importance of trusting one's instincts to navigate through difficult situations. The serpent imagery represents deceptive individuals hiding among seemingly innocent surroundings. The verse "An outstretched hand closed to a fist becomes a weapon" suggests that people may initially appear kind and helpful but can quickly turn hostile and hurtful.

The song acknowledges the damage caused by these deceptive individuals and the ongoing battle that one must face against them. The verse "I see the damage they have done, I see the battle's just begun" reveals the impact of these deceitful individuals and emphasizes that the struggle is far from over. Yet, amidst these challenges, the answer and solution lie within oneself. The lines "I know the answer lies inside, I feel it when I close my eyes" highlight the importance of self-awareness and trusting one's gut instincts.

Throughout the lyrics, there is a strong emphasis on perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The lines "Through disaster and decay, survive to fight another day" emphasize the need to push forward and not give up, even when faced with difficult circumstances and obstacles. The song encourages the listener to trust their instincts and not to hesitate. The lines "When there's no time for you to question, every single step you take, press on and trust in your instincts" convey the message that one must rely on their inner instincts to make decisions and take action.

In the chorus, there is a call to break down the barriers of fear and superstition and embrace one's primal past and intuition. This suggests that by tapping into our innate instincts and primal nature, we can better navigate through deception and challenging situations. The repeated phrase "Trust in your instincts" reinforces this idea and serves as a reminder to rely on one's intuition and inner voice.

The song concludes with the lines "Kill or be killed" and "Sink or swim", contrasting the options of fighting or hiding from these deceptive individuals. However, the answer to overcoming them lies within oneself. The final lines "The answer lies within" reaffirm the importance of self-reliance and trusting one's instincts to overcome the challenges posed by deceitful individuals.