Meaning of "Flightless Bird" by Roar

The lyrics of "Flightless Bird" delve into the emotions of feeling trapped or restricted, particularly when it seems like others have a freedom that is out of reach. The line "When you're a flightless bird with wings" metaphorically represents the feeling of being unable to fully embrace one's potential or live up to expectations. The humor mentioned in the lyrics, attributed to a bitter god, losing its novelty indicates that the protagonist once found amusement in the absurdity of their situation, but that humor has now faded. This suggests that the individual has grown weary of their circumstances and is searching for something more.

The verse "So now you get too drunk to sleep" reveals a self-destructive coping mechanism. By numbing themselves with alcohol, the protagonist is attempting to escape from the reality that they feel trapped in. The line "You spend the night driving with one eye closed to keep the lines from doubling" depicts how the protagonist is living on the edge, constantly struggling to maintain control and avoid the consequences of their actions.

The lyrics also touch on distorted memories and a sense of self-doubt. The imagery of replaying a "gory scene incessantly" suggests that the protagonist is haunted by past mistakes and cannot move forward. They also mention their "poor selective memory," indicating a struggle to remember the positive aspects of their life and focusing instead on negative experiences. The comparison to a "fat kid at the beach who's still weighing the pros and cons of weak bulimic teeth" adds to the imagery of self-doubt and insecurity, suggesting that the protagonist is still assessing their worth and struggling with their own identity.

The chorus, "Means that never reach an end, that's what you get for living in your head," emphasizes the futility of constantly overthinking and living in a world of hypotheticals. The protagonist feels trapped within their own thoughts and experiences a disconnect from reality, causing their aspirations and dreams to remain unfulfilled.

The closing lines, "You breathe 3 A.M. breath, and tell yourself that this is for the best," illustrate the protagonist's attempt to find solace or justification for their current situation. Even though they may recognize the negative aspects of their life, they convince themselves that it is somehow necessary or advantageous. This reflects a mindset of resignation or acceptance, as the protagonist attempts to find meaning or purpose in their circumstances.