Meaning of "Index" by Steven Wilson

The lyrics of "Index" delve into the complex psychology of a collector, portraying the protagonist as someone who finds solace in collecting objects and people as a way to cope with their loneliness and feelings of being misunderstood. The repetitive listing of actions such as cataloging, preserving, filing, and indexing emphasizes the meticulous nature of the collector, who finds comfort and purpose in organizing their collections. The idea of trapping someone under glass and adding an autograph symbolizes the possessiveness and objectification that can come with collecting, blurring the lines between genuine connection and ownership. The lyrics hint at a sense of detachment and isolation that can accompany such obsessive behavior, as the collector struggles with the burden of their meticulous compulsion. The portrayal of the collector as someone who is willing to go to great lengths to amass and study their collections, even at the cost of personal relationships, highlights the inner turmoil that comes with being consumed by one's passions.