Meaning of "Dead & Bloated" by Stone Temple Pilots

"Dead & Bloated" explores themes of feeling stuck and suffocated in one's life. The repeated imagery of smelling like a rose represents the façade the narrator puts on for others. The rose, typically symbolizing beauty and vitality, becomes a paradoxical symbol of decay and stagnation. The line "That somebody gave me on my birthday deathbed" suggests that the narrator has received this perception of themselves as being dead and bloated from others, possibly society or loved ones. This perception has been with them for a long time, indicated by the repetition of the phrase throughout the song.

The narrator's sense of entrapment and lack of agency is further emphasized through the line "You can't swallow what I'm thinkin'" which suggests a disconnect or alienation from those around them. The repetition of the phrase "And she says it's natural" reflects the narrator's desire for validation or acceptance, but ultimately feeling misunderstood. The mention of "another man's shoes" suggests that the narrator is living a life that is not their own, further enhancing their feelings of suffocation and yearning for personal freedom.

The line "I run through the world thinking 'bout tomorrow" reflects the narrator's desire to break free from their current state and seek a better future. However, they are constantly reminded of their stagnant present, represented by the repeated line "I am smelling like the rose." The repetition of "Thinkin' 'bout tomorrow" suggests a longing for change, but also highlights the narrator's inability to escape their current circumstances.

Overall, "Dead & Bloated" conveys a sense of frustration, stagnation, and the yearning for personal freedom. The narrator feels trapped in a life that does not resonate with their true desires and struggles to break free from the perceptions and expectations placed upon them by others.