Meaning of "Self vs. Self" by Pendulum

The lyrics of "Self vs. Self" delve into the internal struggle of the protagonist and their quest for personal identity and meaning. The opening lines, "If I struggle a lifetime, what would my body be? An empty shell on what a demon fed," illustrate the heavy burden of enduring a lifetime of hardship. It suggests that the struggles and challenges faced throughout life can consume and hollow out a person.

The lyrics continue to explore the conflict between the desire to stay true to oneself and the pressures of conforming to societal expectations. The line, "Could be a heavy burden to stay true to your words," conveys the difficulty of maintaining authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. The protagonist expresses a desire to overcome this burden, stating, "Speak up; I wanna silence everything." This can be interpreted as a longing to assert their individuality and break free from the constraints that society imposes.

The question of personal purpose and meaning is also raised within the lyrics. The lines, "If I got no plan / Doesn't mean that I get what I want for free / If I got no meaning / Would you force me to a place where I make sense?" reflect the protagonist's uncertainty about their place in the world. They contemplate whether the absence of a clear plan or purpose denies them the right to pursue their desires freely. The lyrics suggest that external forces may attempt to confine and manipulate them into conforming to a predefined path.

The chorus, "How do I get home? / Everything revolves around me / If I can't find myself? / And so, this is completely fake," encapsulates the protagonist's sense of detachment from their authentic self. They feel lost and isolated, as if the world revolves around them but they cannot locate their true identity within it. The repetition of the question, "How do I get home?" emphasizes their yearning to rediscover their genuine self.

Amidst their struggle, the protagonist refuses to accept failure. The line, "I deny failure; I ignite," showcases their determination and refusal to succumb to defeat. They are unwilling to let their hardships define them and instead choose to overcome their obstacles.

In essence, "Self vs. Self" delves deep into the internal conflicts and uncertainties that arise within the human experience. It explores themes of personal struggle, identity, authenticity, and the search for meaning. The lyrics highlight the challenges of remaining true to oneself in a society that often imposes limitations, while also emphasizing the protagonist's refusal to accept failure and their enduring spirit.