Meaning of "How Can We Go On" by Story Of The Year

"How Can We Go On" delves into themes of existential crisis, hopelessness, and the search for meaning in a broken world. The repetitive questioning of how to continue amidst brokenness reflects a sense of disillusionment and a lack of direction. The narrator contemplates the emptiness of existence, feeling as though they are already dead and left with nothing but their own pain. The line, "We say that we're alive, but only see our empty coffins," serves as a metaphor for the hollowness they feel, highlighting the contradiction between feeling alive externally while feeling dead inside. The repetition of the phrase "How can we go on?" emphasizes the weight and urgency of this question, as they struggle to find a reason to keep going.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of fighting for something more, despite the loss of faith and a sense of hopelessness. The line "Can't we fight for something more? When all our faith is dead and gone" suggests that even in the face of despair, there is a lingering spark of resilience and a desire to find a purpose or reason to fight. It captures the internal conflict of wanting to give up but also yearning for something greater, something worth fighting for.

The song captures an overall atmosphere of darkness and desperation, with a sense of yearning for a way out. The reference to wolves circling and the need to plan an escape evokes a feeling of being hunted and cornered by the challenges of life. The narrator's search for meaning, strength, and a sense of purpose highlights the universal struggle to find hope and resilience in times of darkness.