Meaning of "Guardian" by Tigers Jaw
The lyrics of "Guardian" by Tigers Jaw delve into the theme of emotional exhaustion and the limitations of being a guardian or caregiver for someone else. The song portrays a person who has been relied upon to provide support and protection, but finds themselves spiraling deeper into their own emotional struggles. The spiral staircase mentioned in the first verse represents the descent into this emotional turmoil, with the person feeling trapped and unable to escape. The references to a "figure of straw" and "keeping your ghosts from the garden" suggest that the person has been attempting to hold up a façade of strength and stability, but it is proving to be unsustainable. The question of whether their emotions are "red ripe or deadened skin" reflects the internal conflict of feeling overwhelmed and drained.
The chorus highlights the narrator's realization that they can no longer fulfill the role of a guardian or medicine for the other person. The burning candle symbolizes the narrator's own emotional pain and the toll that being a support system has taken on them. They are pleading for the other person to "turn the handle" and let them in, to understand their own struggles and limitations. The repetition of "anymore" emphasizes the finality of this decision and the ultimate acknowledgement that they cannot continue in this role.
The second verse further explores the narrator's emotional state, describing them as a mere "moment in time" when the other person's attention wanders and they feel overlooked. The narrator realizes that they have been neglecting their own needs, constantly "wringing out the same cloth," unable to fully address their own emotional struggles while trying to be there for someone else.
Overall, "Guardian" speaks to the inherent challenges and limitations of being a caregiver or guardian for someone else. It explores the exhaustion, emotional toll, and realization that one's own needs must be prioritized in order to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
