Meaning of "Listening" by The Used

The lyrics of "Listening" by The Used delve into themes of apathy and disconnection in a relationship. The song portrays a sense of emotional detachment, as the narrator describes their lack of interest in what the other person is saying. The line "It's kind of funny how I'm not listening anyway" suggests a deliberate choice to ignore the other person's words, possibly indicating a breakdown in communication or emotional investment in the relationship.

The opening lines "Your skin attached this fragile cliché of my broken heart attack" paint a picture of vulnerability and fragility. The narrator's heartbreak is compared to a physical ailment, highlighting the intensity of their emotional pain. It seems as if the narrator is no longer willing to invest themselves emotionally, illustrated by the line "If it's still light out than a kick in the ribs, Today's worth living." This indicates a sense of resignation or giving up on finding fulfillment in the relationship.

The repetition of the phrase "I don't see anything now, so just say what you wanna say" reinforces the narrator's disinterest and suggests a lack of connection to the other person's words. The line "While we were making love I was fast asleep" further emphasizes the emotional detachment and disconnect within the relationship. The narrator is not fully present, both physically and emotionally, during moments of intimacy, symbolizing a deeper disconnection.

The lyrics also touch upon the concept of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The lines "If your heart's still beating it must be the blood, if your lungs are still working it must be the mud" serve as a reminder of the physicality of human existence and the impermanence of life. This might hint at the narrator's struggle to find meaning or purpose, further contributing to their emotional detachment.

Overall, "Listening" by The Used explores themes of apathy, disconnection, emotional detachment, and the fading significance of a relationship. It conveys a sense of resignation and indifference, depicting a state of mind where the narrator is no longer willing or able to invest in the emotional aspects of the relationship.