Meaning of "Creep" by Stone Temple Pilots

The lyrics of "Creep" convey a sense of dissatisfaction with one's own life and circumstances. The narrator expresses a feeling of being stuck and unfulfilled, living under the control of someone else, metaphorically described as living under a house. This imagery suggests a lack of agency and independence, as if the narrator is confined or suppressed. The repetition of the line "I'm half the man I used to be" suggests a loss of personal identity or a sense of inadequacy. It reflects a feeling of being less whole and complete than before, possibly due to life's disappointments or personal failures.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of alienation and disconnection from society. The line "Friends don't mean a thing, guess I'll leave it up to me" implies a lack of faith in relationships and a reliance on oneself. The narrator feels misunderstood and unappreciated and chooses to withdraw from social interactions. This isolation further deepens their feelings of insignificance and gives rise to a sense of bitterness and resentment.

The lyrics also hint at a rebellious and self-destructive streak. The lines "Guess I like to steal" and "Think I'll start a fire, everybody run, Bobby's got a gun" suggest a desire to disrupt or challenge societal norms. These actions may be seen as a way for the narrator to assert some control or to feel alive amidst a perceived stagnant existence. However, these actions are ultimately empty and unfulfilling, reinforcing the narrator's sense of emptiness and disillusionment.

Overall, "Creep" explores themes of dissatisfaction, insignificance, loss of identity, and disconnection from others. It captures a sense of struggle and frustration with one's own existence, highlighting the complex emotions that can arise when one feels trapped or unable to find meaning or fulfillment in life.