Meaning of "Already Dead" by The Pretty Reckless

The lyrics of "Already Dead" delve into the internal struggle of the narrator's life. They describe themselves as being nice to the people they meet, seemingly polite and kind on the surface. However, beneath that pleasant façade, there is a deep well of hate and negativity. The narrator questions if others can relate to the feelings they preach, suggesting a desire for connection or understanding from others who may have experienced similar emotions.

The metaphor of the approaching freight train suggests a looming threat or consequence that the narrator recognizes but feels unable to escape. They begin running, but quickly lose their breath, implying a sense of exhaustion or being overwhelmed. The reference to smoking too many cigarettes and smoking themselves to death adds a self-destructive element to the lyrics, indicating a cycle of harmful habits that they cannot break away from.

The line "I will remember, I can feel it all" suggests that despite the numbness and emotional deadness the narrator feels, they have not truly disconnected from their emotions. They remember and can still feel everything, suggesting a deep sense of pain or trauma that they carry with them.

The repetition of the phrase "I'm cold, already dead" encapsulates the overall themes of the song. The narrator feels emotionally numb, like they are already dead inside. The line "You died so long, so long ago" further emphasizes this feeling, suggesting that the emotional death occurred a long time ago and that they have been carrying this burden of loneliness and emotional emptiness for a significant period of time.

The song as a whole explores themes of internal struggle, emotional numbness, self-destructive habits, and the desire for connection and understanding. It delves into the complexities of human emotions and the ways in which people can hide their true emotions beneath a façade of politeness and niceness.