Meaning of "Slave" by Silverchair

The lyrics of "Slave" speak to a sense of hopelessness and resignation. The line "Lived too long now you've come to take me to a place where I can die" suggests a desire for escape from a life that feels unbearable. The narrator feels as though they have lost their soul and confidence in themselves, emphasizing their low self-esteem. The repeated phrase "Want to be your soldier, want to be your slave" reflects a longing for direction and purpose, even if it means giving up their autonomy. By wanting to be a slave, the narrator is expressing a need for someone else to take control of their life, as they feel incapable of doing so themselves.

The lyrics also touch upon feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self-worth. The line "I have no pride in myself, that's how I behave" highlights the narrator's belief that they are undeserving of self-respect and continue to make choices that perpetuate their feelings of worthlessness. The reference to the book "How to Lose" indicates a pattern of self-destructive behavior and a pessimistic outlook. The narrator implies that they are well-acquainted with failure and disappointment, as reflected in the suggestion to "pick a chapter, I know them all; just choose."

Overall, "Slave" captures the inner turmoil and despair of someone who feels trapped in their circumstances and unable to find meaning or purpose. The lyrics convey a deep longing for escape, even if it means surrendering oneself to another's control. It reflects the struggles with self-esteem and the internal battle between a desire for autonomy and a need for direction.