Meaning of "Change" by Staind

The lyrics of "Change" by Staind explore the internal struggle and emotional turmoil of the narrator. The song opens with a sense of disbelief and unfamiliarity with the life the narrator is currently living. They express confusion and find it strange to experience a mix of emotions, including pride, despite feeling overwhelmingly downcast. It is evident that the narrator is grappling with their own emotions and does not understand why they feel the way they do.

The chorus reveals that the narrator is familiar with these emotions and has been in a similar place before. They seek solace in retreating to a personal and private space within themselves to understand and process their feelings. It becomes clear that there is a buildup of negativity and pain that the narrator has been repressing. They feel the need to keep it all bottled up, but this is breaking them from within. There is a sense of torment and torture that they have experienced in the past, and it continues to haunt them to this day.

The lyrics demonstrate the narrator's desperate attempts to break free from the hatred and resentment they feel towards those who have wronged them. They acknowledge the need to find justification for their way of life, seeking to make sense of their own choices and actions. However, they struggle to find that justification and feel unworthy of any sense of accomplishment or happiness. The narrator has a deep desire to escape these negative emotions but seems trapped in a never-ending loop of torment.

Towards the end of the song, the narrator mentions that the waves of torment and pain have subsided, but their soul is still bleeding. It implies a sense of resignation and acceptance that the shame and guilt they feel cannot easily be taken away. The final line reveals a plea for forgiveness, suggesting that the narrator acknowledges their faults and seeks compassion from others.

Overall, "Change" delves into the complex emotions and inner turmoil that the narrator is experiencing. It explores themes of self-doubt, internal conflict, and the struggle to find peace and forgiveness within oneself.