The speaker conveys their uncertainty and feeling of being accustomed to it. They observe that the person they are addressing has never been treated rudely before. The speaker longs to share things they can't say to anyone else, but the person doesn't stay for long when they come home. The person now acts entitled, expecting everyone to know them, and the speaker yearns for the way things used to be. However, the person is worried about losing themselves if they go back to that. The speaker didn't realize how much this change would affect the person, and they can see the influence of the people around them. The speaker used to take detours just to pass their door and wait outside, but decides they won't do that anymore. There is a lot they want to tell the person.

Meaning of "Disciples" by Tame Impala

The lyrics in "Disciples" convey a sense of longing and frustration in a strained relationship. The speaker describes feeling unsure yet familiar with their uncertainty, suggesting a pattern of instability. They notice that the person they are addressing has never experienced rudeness before, implying some level of privilege or shelteredness. The speaker expresses a desire to confide in this person, suggesting a level of trust and emotional intimacy. However, their encounters are fleeting, indicating a lack of commitment or consistency on the part of the person.

The lyric "Now it's like the world owes you" suggests a shift in the person's attitude. They now carry themselves with entitlement, expecting recognition and special treatment from others. The speaker longs for the past, when their relationship was different and perhaps more equal. However, the person fears that returning to that dynamic would come at the cost of losing themselves. This may imply that the person has changed due to external influences, potentially driven by the people around them.

The speaker reflects on their past actions, confessing to taking detours just to pass the person's door and waiting outside. These actions may represent longing, dedication, or even obsession. However, they decide that they won't continue these behaviors, potentially signaling a realization that their efforts are in vain or that the relationship has become imbalanced or unhealthy. The lyrics end with the speaker expressing a desire to share their thoughts and feelings, further emphasizing the longing for connection and communication.

Overall, Tame Impala's "Disciples" explores themes of uncertainty, change, longing, and the imbalance within a relationship. It delves into the complexities of human connection and the struggles that arise when one person undergoes transformation while the other yearns for consistency and stability. The lyrics highlight the influence of external forces in shaping an individual's identity and behavior, as well as the impact of a lack of reciprocity and commitment on the emotional well-being of both parties involved.