Meaning of "I Was Denied" by Thee Oh Sees

"I Was Denied" is a song that captures the emotions of rejection and the subsequent detachment from a situation. The first two lines suggest that the narrator had an opportunity to be a part of something, but was denied access. The phrase "it felt like a dream" implies a sense of disbelief or incredulity, as if the denial was unexpected or surreal. This could signify a personal experience of exclusion or a broader reflection on the feeling of being left out.

The following lines ("So I flew away, with a friend of mine / I got got fucked up, suffice to say") suggest that the narrator decides to remove themselves from the situation and seek solace in the company of a friend. They engage in reckless or self-destructive behavior, using substances or other means to escape their emotional state. This can be seen as a coping mechanism, a way to temporarily forget the pain of feeling denied or rejected. The repetition of "la la la la la" gives a sense of detachment or numbness, as if the narrator is trying to drown out their emotions.

The meaning behind "I Was Denied" is open to interpretation and can resonate with different individuals in diverse ways. It can speak to the experience of being excluded, ignored, or rejected in various contexts, such as relationships, social situations, or even societal structures. It captures the emotional journey of feeling denied, the disbelief that comes with it, and the subsequent actions taken to cope with the rejection.

Overall, the song portrays a complex mix of emotions, from initial disappointment and disbelief to finding temporary solace in destructive behavior. It explores themes of exclusion, denial, and the various ways individuals respond to rejection.