Meaning of "Through Glass" by Stone Sour

"Through Glass" delves into the theme of disconnection and the struggle to maintain a true sense of self in a world filled with illusions. The opening lines, "I'm looking at you through the glass, don't know how much time has passed," immediately establish a feeling of separation and uncertainty. The repetition of the phrase "it feels like forever" emphasizes the sense of isolation and the longing for connection.

The lyrics touch upon the idea that societal expectations often mask the reality of one's true emotions and experiences. The line "An epidemic of the mannequins contaminating everything we thought came from the heart, but never did right from the start" suggests that the world is filled with artificiality, where genuine emotions are overshadowed by superficiality. There is a longing for authenticity, as conveyed by the line "You can't expect a bit of hope." The idea that the protagonist is observing the world from the inside looking out reinforces the feeling of being separate and misunderstood.

The use of the metaphor of glass throughout the song symbolizes a barrier between the protagonist and the outside world. The glass can represent a mental or emotional barrier, demonstrating the difficulty of genuine connection and understanding. It also implies a sense of vulnerability, as the protagonist feels exposed and unable to truly express themselves.

The mention of stars lying in the chorus adds another layer of symbolism. Stars are often associated with beauty and inspiration, but in this context, they represent false hope or deceit. The repeated line "And it's the stars, the stars that lie to you" highlights the idea that even things that seem promising or reassuring can turn out to be misleading.

Overall, "Through Glass" explores the complexities of human emotions and the struggle to find authenticity in a world filled with illusions and false expectations. The song captures the feeling of isolation and the desire for genuine connection and understanding.