Meaning of "Steam Will Rise" by Silverchair

The lyrics of "Steam Will Rise" delve into the internal turmoil experienced by the singer as they navigate feelings of self-doubt, self-repression, and the pressure to conform to external expectations. Through phrases like "Contain yourself, I will compress" and "Abuse myself, confuse myself," the singer expresses a sense of inner conflict and the struggle to maintain a facade of conformity while battling their true identity. The repeated refrain of "Only wanted a piece of myself" hints at a longing for self-acceptance and authenticity, revealing the emotional toll of suppressing one's true self. The imagery of steam rising and esteem rising symbolizes the idea of personal growth and newfound confidence that can emerge from embracing one's true identity and breaking free from self-imposed constraints.