Meaning of "Appearances" by The Material

The lyrics of "Appearances" delve into the theme of emotional repression and the pressure to maintain a facade of happiness despite inner struggles. The protagonist is depicted as feeling suffocated and drowning under the weight of expectations and societal norms. The desperation to break free from this facade is evident through repeated pleas to be let out and the acknowledgment that the smile being worn is fading. This emotional turmoil captures the authenticity of human experiences where individuals often feel the need to hide their true emotions in order to fit in or avoid burdening others. The line "I'm suffocating silently in front of the crowd" highlights the loneliness of wearing a mask while struggling internally. Overall, the lyrics emphasize the importance of being true to oneself and finding a way to break free from the suffocating cycle of appearances.