Meaning of "Onion" by Shannon & The Clams

The lyrics of "Onion" express a sense of confusion and self-discovery. The speaker begins by acknowledging that they have been avoiding their problems, using the phrase "Holy shit I avoid so many problems." This suggests an awareness of their own avoidance. They appear to be surprised by this realization, as they exclaim that "this isn't it," indicating that they had been living in denial or ignorance.

The speaker then likens themselves to an onion, stating that "no one told me I was just an onion." The onion metaphor implies that they have many layers or aspects to their personality that they have yet to uncover. This could signify a deeper understanding of their own complexity or the need to peel back the layers of their own identity to truly know themselves.

The repetition of the phrase "I'm just a kid oh so I thought" suggests a feeling of naivety or immaturity. The speaker may have believed that they were more self-aware or in control than they actually were. The plea to a doctor to "make it stop" could indicate a desire for help or guidance in navigating these realization and uncovering their true self.

Despite the desire to uncover their true self, the speaker expresses a pessimistic view of their chances for self-discovery. They believe that they will not have enough time, stating "I'll be gone before I peel this old onion." This line suggests a fear of mortality or a limited window of opportunity to truly understand oneself. It reflects a sense of urgency to discover their true identity before it is too late.

Overall, "Onion" explores themes of self-realization, denial, and the complexities of one's own identity. It conveys a sense of frustration and urgency to uncover the true self, while acknowledging the difficulties and limitations of this process.