The lyrics of "All That I've Got" by The Used depict a deep emotional pain that is hidden beneath a façade of strength and indifference. The narrator longs for something more, to be knocked out and put to sleep in order to escape their empty existence. They reminisce about a past love and the damage they caused, while acknowledging that pretending to be fine is all they have left.

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Meaning of "All That I've Got" by The Used


The lyrics of "All That I've Got" delve into the themes of emotional pain, loneliness, and the struggle to conceal one's true feelings. The opening lines suggest that the pain inflicted runs so deep that it's invisible to the outside world, as it didn't even bleed or catch them off guard. The mention of being "far from lonely" may imply that the narrator prefers to bear this pain alone, rather than seeking comfort from others. The repetition of the phrase "So deep that it didn't even bleed, catch me" further emphasizes the extent of their emotional turmoil.

The line "I need something else, would someone please just give me? Hit me and knock me out, and let me go back to sleep" reveals the narrator's desperation to escape their current reality. They long for something more than the emptiness they're experiencing, craving a release from their emotional struggle. The desire to be knocked out and put to sleep suggests a desire for numbness or oblivion in order to temporarily escape their pain.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of guilt and remorse. The narrator recalls memories of a past love, acknowledging the harm they caused by squeezing their partner's heart so hard that it stopped beating, metaphorically or literally. The line "I squoze so hard, I stopped your heart from beating" implies a sense of responsibility for the pain and suffering that they inflicted on another person. This guilt may contribute to their current state of emotional emptiness and desire to pretend that everything is fine.

The repeated confession of being "far from lonely" and the statement that it's "all that I've got" suggests that the narrator has resigned themselves to their current emotional state. They have convinced themselves that pretending to be fine is the only option they have left, despite their deep longing for something more meaningful. The repetition of the phrase "I'll be just fine pretending I'm not" further emphasizes the facade they are trying to uphold.

Overall, "All That I've Got" explores the internal struggle to hide emotional pain, the desire for escape or numbness, guilt over past actions, and the acceptance of a life of pretending to be fine.