Meaning of "Switch" by The Cure

The lyrics of "Switch" delve into the theme of identity crisis and disconnect, exploring the internal struggle of feeling like a stranger to oneself and to the people around. The speaker grapples with a profound sense of alienation, as they describe feeling like they have transformed into another person, someone incompatible with their former self. The constant reference to friends as strangers and strangers as friends highlights a breakdown in relationships and a pervasive feeling of isolation. The repeated imagery of the mirror reflects a distorted self-image and a struggle to recognize one's own identity. The overwhelming emotions of tiredness, sickness, and fear convey a deep sense of psychological turmoil, as the speaker grapples with the weight of their changing self and the turbulent world around them. Overall, "Switch" captures the disconcerting experience of feeling lost in one's own skin, navigating the complexities of personal transformation, and the accompanying emotional toll of losing touch with oneself and others.