Meaning of "Inhale" by Stone Sour

"Inhale" delves into the emotional struggles and existential questioning of a broken man. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of his isolation and detachment from the world. He talks to himself, waiting for something better, but ultimately feels that he will never find it. The people around him try to interact with him, but he is unable to feel their touch or any sense of connection.

The recurring line, "Why does any of it matter?" highlights the protagonist's desperate search for meaning in his life. He is overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness and frustration with the world. The inhale representing a breath and the exhale representing a release, serves as a metaphor for finding solace and relief from his pain. He believes that if he can find something to make the inhale better, it will also improve the exhale.

The protagonist's feelings of uncleanliness and physical pain reflect his internal turmoil. He is constantly shaking and his nerves are shot. He struggles to find clarity or a way out of his despair. The line, "Now I know I disappear!," suggests a sense of losing oneself and feeling lost in his own mind and emotions.

Overall, "Inhale" conveys a sense of desperation and a yearning for escape. The broken man in the song represents those who are grappling with their own pain and searching for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. It serves as a reflection of the human condition, where we all question the purpose and significance of our existence.