Meaning of "On the Inside" by Of Mice & Men

In "On the Inside," Of Mice & Men delve into the theme of internal struggles and the hidden pain that individuals endure. The opening lines, "Throw away these hollow bones, like water from a stone," suggest a feeling of emptiness and the inability to express emotions. The narrator acknowledges their attempts to find solace and understanding in the fractures and cracks that lie beneath the surface.

The repetition of the phrase "underneath, underneath the surface" emphasizes the concept of digging deeper into one's emotions and experiences to find meaning and purpose. It also alludes to the idea that beneath the outward appearance, there is a hidden complexity and struggle that may go unnoticed by others.

The chorus reveals the true nature of the suffering, stating, "I hope you know we all suffer, slipping under but only on the inside." This line highlights the isolation the narrator feels in their pain, emphasizing that their struggle is not visible to others. The line "our hidden fear overtaking, we are breaking but only on the inside" further emphasizes this internal battle and the fear that consumes them.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of hope amidst despair, stating, "hope is all we used to know when reaping what we sow." This line suggests that the narrator once relied on hope to navigate through life's challenges, but now they can only find emptiness and famine in their search for purpose and meaning.

The repetition of the phrase "only on the inside" throughout the song reinforces the idea that the suffering is internal and not immediately visible. It creates a sense of entrapment, as the pain remains contained within, unseen by others.

Overall, "On the Inside" by Of Mice & Men captures the experience of struggling silently and the overwhelming nature of internal battles. The lyrics speak to the hidden pain that individuals may carry, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and understanding one's own struggles as well as the struggles of others.