Meaning of "The Walls Are Closing in / Hangman" by The Pretty Reckless

The lyrics in "The Walls Are Closing in / Hangman" convey a sense of desperation and hopelessness. The repeated mention of darkness and the inability to see symbolizes a state of confusion and fear. The line "there's no light" suggests a lack of guidance or direction in life, leaving the narrator feeling lost and isolated. The absence of someone to break their fall reflects a feeling of abandonment and the absence of support from others.

The chorus introduces the concept of being hanged, a metaphor for judgment and persecution. The narrator instructs the listener to stand straight and brace their neck, urging them to face their accusers with strength and resilience. It is a call to not give in to the pressure or allow others to control them. "Don't take your soul" is a reminder to hold onto one's true essence and not let external circumstances or judgment strip them of their identity or integrity.

The lyrics also touch on the passage of time and mortality. The phrase "time flies by the rank of years" conveys the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable march towards death. Humans dying "by the hand of fear" suggests how fear and the pressures of society can consume individuals and rob them of their vitality.

The closing section reflects on the concept of life and death. The narrator describes living a blind existence, unable to fully experience the world, only having a mere picture of the sun in their mind. As they wait for the light to come, they accept that their life is ending and contemplate the decomposition of their body. The weight of the earth symbolizes the heaviness of mortality and the finality of death.

Overall, the lyrics in "The Walls Are Closing in / Hangman" explore themes of darkness, isolation, judgment, resilience, mortality, and the search for meaning in life. It serves as a reminder to hold onto one's true self and confront adversity with strength.