Meaning of "I Was Born" by The Menzingers

The lyrics of "I Was Born" delve into the internal struggle of the speaker as they reflect on their past and the choices made. The opening line, "I was born but I forgot it," suggests a sense of detachment or disconnect from their own identity. The lyrics mention leaving marks in drying cement, symbolizing the desire to leave a lasting impact but also the impermanence of life. The line "I was raised inside a bible" portrays a sheltered upbringing deeply influenced by religious teachings, possibly resulting in self-imposed limitations and a reliance on external sources of guidance. The mention of "Guilty Friday nights" evokes feelings of regret for past actions or missed opportunities. The repeated line "Sometimes I feel like I should have said no" conveys the internal conflict of the speaker, wishing they had made different choices or stood up for themselves. The references to meeting someone's savior over an altar and being present at a funeral and slaughter suggest encounters with the darker sides of life and religion. The final lines, "Trigger fingers catch your breath, lay 'em down slow," portray a sense of violence or confrontation, and the mention of the firing squad adds to the imagery of self-reflection and remorse. Overall, the lyrics of "I Was Born" explore themes of forgetting one's true self, the influence of religion, and the regret and longing for different choices.