Meaning of "Pruno" by Stone Temple Pilots

The lyrics of "Pruno" delve into themes of existential crisis, feeling disconnected, and the struggle to find purpose and meaning in life. The opening lines "Falling downward with a flaming hand / I knew the questions but I lost the answers" symbolize a sense of descent and confusion. The narrator acknowledges that they once had clarity and understanding, but now feel lost and disconnected. The line "As long as no one asks no questions" suggests a desire to avoid any deep introspection or analysis of their life.

The repeated lines "One, two, three / I got another, got another" can be interpreted as a reference to addiction or reliance on something external for escape or relief. This could be literal substance abuse or a metaphor for seeking distractions or temporary fixes to avoid facing reality. The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of these escapes, with the line "I got another hit that held me the last time."

The bridge section introduces the idea of profiting from a riddle, which can be seen as a metaphor for exploiting confusion and uncertainty for personal gain. The line "Keep the dream alive / With sleeping pills you shouldn't fiddle" can be interpreted as a cautionary statement about relying on medication or other substances to maintain the illusion of a fulfilled life, highlighting the dangers of self-medication and avoidance.

Overall, "Pruno" delves into the dark corners of the human psyche, exploring themes of disconnection, addiction, and the struggle to find purpose. The lyrics paint a picture of a person grappling with their own demons and searching for meaning while struggling to escape from the overwhelming weight of their own thoughts and the world around them.