Meaning of "Tradition" by Thousand Below

The lyrics of "Tradition" delve into the emotional struggles faced by the narrator. They start by admitting their mistake in not being able to let go of a situation, leading to feelings of extreme loneliness and anger. The line "I hate the way that you are but we're not that different" suggests that despite the negative emotions towards someone, they recognize similarities between themselves and the person causing them pain. The repeated references to a reflection in the mirror represent self-reflection and the internal battles the narrator faces. They question their own worth and wonder if they are worth fixing, indicating a struggle with self-acceptance and self-esteem. The line "Breaking down the structure of my soul till I can see everything so resilient" portrays a deep desire to break free from their current state and find strength and resilience within themselves. Despite the pain, the narrator finds solace in singing and breathing, using these acts as a form of self-expression and release. Overall, the song explores themes of loneliness, self-doubt, and the universal struggles of finding one's worth and healing.