Meaning of "Broken Glass Complexion" by Vein

The lyrics of "Broken Glass Complexion" delve into the inner turmoil and self-destructive behavior of the protagonist. The line "Fine has expired" hints at the expiration of a façade or an emotional state that was once stable. The singer feels like a "life crashing pilot," implying they are responsible for the chaos and destruction in their own life. They view themselves as a flawed individual, referring to themselves as a "loving defect."

The line "Guard down, enter absence" suggests that the protagonist has built emotional walls, distancing themselves from others and creating a sense of emptiness. They question what remedy could possibly bring an end to their self-imposed abstinence, indicating a struggle with accepting love or kindness from others. The following line, "I cannot accept cannot eject what I've let in," reveals the internal conflict of wanting to push people away but being unable to let go of the emotional impact they have on the protagonist.

The lyrics also explore the concept of guilt and responsibility. The line "Blood on my hands, your tired eyes stare" signifies the guilt the protagonist feels for the pain they have caused others. They acknowledge that their actions have hurt someone, represented by the image of blood on their hands. The plea for the other person to run far from here suggests a desire to protect them from further harm caused by the protagonist.

The lyrics hint at a deeper motive behind the protagonist's destructive behavior. They mention "black boxes" in which they keep their motives locked up, indicating hidden intentions or hidden emotional pain. The keys dissolved in their gut symbolize the inability to unlock those motives or express their true emotions. This hints at a deep-seated fear or trauma that the protagonist is unable or unwilling to confront.

The final lines of the song, "Goodbye, now we live," convey a bittersweet farewell. The protagonist realizes that their self-destructive behavior is not only hurting themselves but also the person they care about. Despite the pain of saying goodbye, they understand the need to let go in order to find a new way of living. It represents a moment of self-realization and the potential for growth.