Meaning of "Octopus" by Pile

The lyrics of "Octopus" by Pile delve into themes of confusion, pressure, and personal authenticity. The repeated lines about being shipped from overseas to learn to spell someone's name and say things they don't want to explain suggest a sense of displacement and alienation. The references to giving and taking, being beat up or cleaning up if asked, and questioning the honesty of others all point to a struggle to understand relationships and social expectations. The line "Don't know how my strength comes from fear" indicates a realization that fear and vulnerability may be sources of power, but also highlights a lack of control over one's own circumstances. Ultimately, the song captures a feeling of uncertainty and introspection about the complexities of human connections and maintaining one's sense of self in the face of external pressures.