The lyrics of "Awake" by The Clay People describe a feeling of suffocation, desperation, and loss of control. The narrator is hyperventilating, in pain, and feeling down, eventually realizing that it's time to die. They express a sense of being manipulated, with communication and reproduction being depicted as harmful. The repeated call to wake up seems to signify a desire to break free from these negative emotions and regain control.

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Meaning of "Awake" by The Clay People


"Awake" by The Clay People delves into themes of suffocation, desperation, and loss of control. The repetitive and intense nature of the lyrics reflects a sense of overwhelming despair and hopelessness. The imagery of hyperventilating, pain, and feeling down paints a vivid picture of someone struggling to cope with the pressures of life. The repeated refrain of "time to die" suggests a contemplation of mortality and the idea of giving up in the face of overwhelming darkness. The references to manipulation and clones point towards a sense of alienation and detachment from one's own identity, as if being controlled by external forces. However, amidst this bleak portrayal, there is a glimmer of hope in the call to wake up, signifying a desire to break free from these negative emotions and regain agency over one's life. The struggle for control and the battle against forces that seek to suppress individuality are central themes that resonate throughout the song.