The lyrics of "My Pen Is A Shiv" describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by one's own thoughts and the inevitability of facing one's own mortality. The narrator portrays their pen as a weapon, ready to spill ink which represents their inner thoughts and struggles.

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Meaning of "My Pen Is A Shiv" by That Handsome Devil


The repetition of "My pen is a shiv" emphasizes the power of words in expressing deep emotions and personal struggles. The reference to the body marching without the narrator suggests a sense of detachment from one's own actions, as if being controlled by external forces or one's own subconscious. The line "He thought he'd live forever and he came damn close" conveys a sense of mortality and the realization that death is inevitable. The questions directed at God reflect the frustration and existential dread that often arise when facing difficult circumstances. The advice to "sit around and haunt yourself" implies haunting past mistakes or regrets, unable to escape the consequences of one's actions. Overall, the lyrics delve into themes of self-reflection, mortality, and the haunting nature of one's own thoughts and actions.