Meaning of "Puppet String" by Umphrey's McGee

"Puppet String" delves into the existential crisis many people experience at some point in their lives. The lyrics express the singer's frustration and sense of being lost in a world where rules are unclear and time seems to slip away uncontrollably. It questions the validity of societal norms and traditions, suggesting that blindly following them is akin to being a puppet in a show. The reference to how we are "all subscribed, to fictions that can't be right" highlights the idea of people conforming to beliefs that may not actually be true. The song ultimately encourages listeners to question the reality they are presented with, urging them to take control of their own lives rather than being controlled by external forces. The repeated notion of puppet strings emphasizes the feeling of being manipulated or controlled by unknown forces, highlighting the need for self-awareness and autonomy.