Meaning of "Everyone but You" by The Front Bottoms

The lyrics of "Everyone but You" by The Front Bottoms convey a sense of isolation and frustration. The narrator has reached a breaking point, symbolized by deleting every contact in their life and building a fire in their mind. This destructive behavior is fueled by a lack of understanding about the consequences. The repeated line "every little bit helps the fire burn" suggests that every negative experience or action adds fuel to their internal turmoil.

The song reflects on the unchanging nature of life, where things neither get better nor worse. The line "You just get old, it lasts forever" implies a sense of stagnation and the perception that life can feel monotonous and unfulfilling. This sentiment is amplified by the inability to experience genuine happiness or sadness when detesting everyone else apart from the person they address.

The second half of the song speaks to the transformative power of love. The narrator has fallen in love with the addressed person, who sees them in a way that no one else does. However, this love seems fleeting, limited to a short time period. The line "no one's seen me that way since" suggests a loss or absence of connection with others, leaving the narrator feeling isolated and longing for that same level of understanding and acceptance.

The closing verse suggests that the presence of the addressed person provides some form of solace and truth. Even though the narrator feels confined and trapped in different rooms, the reassurance and connection they find in the presence of this individual bring comfort and a sense of genuine emotion.

Overall, the lyrics of "Everyone but You" delve into themes of isolation, internal struggle, and the transformative power of love. It explores the complexities of human emotions and the longing for a deep connection in a world that feels detached.