Meaning of "Bother" by Stone Sour

The lyrics of "Bother" delve into themes of emotional turmoil, self-destruction, and the desire for escape. The opening line, "Wish I was too dead to cry?" suggests a longing for emotional numbness, a way to escape the pain. The self-affliction mentioned in the following line could refer to a self-destructive behavior or mindset, something that the speaker wants to fade away. The mention of stones to throw at my Creator implies a sense of anger and blame towards a higher power or authority figure. The speaker sees themselves as masochists, catering to their own pain and suffering.

The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, emphasizes the speaker's desire to be left alone and allowed to slip further into their own darkness. They don't want anyone to bother them or try to help. This desire for solitude and isolation could stem from a feeling of being unheard or invalidated, as the line "Never had a voice to protest, so you fed me shit to digest" suggests. The speaker feels unable to express their discontent or stand up for themselves, leading to a sense of frustration and resignation.

The line "I wish I had a reason, my flaws are open season" hints at a deep-seated need for acceptance and understanding. The speaker longs for a reason behind their pain, a justification for their flaws, but instead, they feel criticized and attacked by others. This constant scrutiny and judgment have led them to give up trying and embrace their own downfall. The phrase "one good turn deserves my dying" suggests that the speaker feels like their actions have caused their own suffering and that they deserve to suffer as a result.

The second verse reinforces the speaker's feelings of emptiness and detachment. The reference to a zombie hiding their face suggests a loss of identity, as they become a mere shell of their former self. The diaries with cryptic entries represent the hidden emotions and secrets that the speaker carries, unable to express them openly.

The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the speaker's determination to hold on despite the pain. They refuse to let go until the pain bleeds, suggesting a willingness to confront their emotions head-on and face the consequences of their actions. The final line, "I'll never live down my deceit," hints at a sense of guilt and regret, implying that the speaker has been dishonest in some way and feels the weight of their own deception.

Overall, "Bother" explores themes of emotional numbness, self-destruction, and inner turmoil. The lyrics convey a deep sense of pain, frustration, and the longing for escape. The speaker feels unheard, invalidated, and burdened by their flaws and secrets.