Meaning of "This Isn't My Song" by Tennis

The lyrics of "This Isn't My Song" convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of the speaker's role in a situation where they feel like an outsider. The repetition of "If it's not the end, then it's the means" suggests a sense of inevitability and the speaker acknowledging that they are not in control of the situation. The mention of simple melodies finding their way into memory could symbolize the way certain aspects of life stick with us even when we do not intend them to. The image of stacks of neglected paper and being someone's girl in the turning world speaks to a sense of being overlooked or not fully understood in a changing environment. The repeated refrain of "But this isn't my song" reinforces the idea that there are elements of life that are not meant for the speaker, yet they find a way to adapt and continue on despite this. Ultimately, the lyrics capture a complex mix of resignation, longing, and a desire to find a place within a world that may not fully align with the speaker's expectations.