Meaning of "Red Clouds" by The Word Alive

The lyrics of "Red Clouds" touch on themes of identity, conformity, and the search for purpose. The opening lines express the pressure to be someone the narrator is not and their pursuit of unattainable dreams in the hope of not being forgotten. They admit to faking everything and pretending to be someone they're not.

The repeated mention of red clouds represents the longing for escape and a desire to be taken away. The red clouds symbolize a metaphorical barrier between the narrator and their desired freedom. They express a yearning for release from their current situation and fear of being stuck.

The lyrics further explore the idea of destiny and how it seems distant and unattainable. The miles that separate their current reality from their desired destiny highlight the frustration and sense of being disconnected from their true path.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on their intentions to surpass expectations and how they ended up getting caught up in a life they never anticipated. They mention the voices that told them "I told you so," but question how they could have known the consequences of their actions. This realization leads them to understand that they know better now and will not let themselves be confined by the opinions of others. The line "I am my own prisoner" emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and being true to oneself.

Ultimately, the lyrics suggest that sometimes it takes leaving behind familiar circumstances to find meaning and purpose. The red clouds, representing the longing for escape, symbolize the need for change and the desire to discover a deeper understanding of oneself. The song implies that growth and self-discovery often come through stepping outside of comfort zones and questioning societal expectations.