Meaning of "Waiting" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

The song "Waiting" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus delves into themes of emotional pain, longing for change, and the struggle to hold onto hope amidst personal struggles. The opening lines, "Feeling sorrow / For all the things you had to steal and borrow," seem to imply feelings of regret and remorse for past actions or decisions that have contributed to the current state of despair. The narrator expresses a desire to move back to a time when life was better, longing for a sense of familiarity and stability. However, this longing is overshadowed by a sense of inertia, captured in the line, "Relapse and then collapse into yourself once more."

The chorus emphasizes the frustration and despair the narrator feels, constantly waiting for a change that never seems to come. The repetition of the phrase "this life is breaking" reinforces a sense of hopelessness and the feeling of being weighed down by the burdens of life. The line, "The doctor tells me to relax and stand still / Prescribes me a new pill to quell my anger," suggests a struggle with mental health issues and the reliance on medication to numb or control emotions. The mention of someone needing to "pull herself up off the floor" implies a desire for someone else to overcome their own struggles, possibly a loved one or a significant other.

The lyrics also touch on the importance of self-reflection and introspection. The repetition of the phrase "Take time to contemplate who you are and where you want to go" underscores the need to pause and evaluate one's identity and aspirations. It encourages the listener to think deeply about their purpose and values in order to forge a path towards a better future.

Overall, "Waiting" conveys a sense of emotional turmoil, longing for change, and the struggle to maintain hope in the face of adversity. It explores themes of regret, dependence on external factors, and the importance of self-reflection as a means of finding direction and purpose.