Meaning of "The Real Me" by W.A.S.P.

"The Real Me" by W.A.S.P. explores themes of mental health, identity, and longing for acceptance. The narrator starts by visiting a psychiatrist, hoping that they can help him change the way he is perceived by others. However, he quickly realizes that the doctor's perception of him is fixed and unlikely to change. This highlights a frustration with societal attitudes towards mental health, where people are often labeled and judged without fully understanding their struggles.

The narrator then turns to his mother for support, hoping she can empathize with him. She acknowledges that mental health issues run in the family, indicating a generational cycle of suffering. This suggests that the narrator's struggles may not be entirely his own, but rather a result of his upbringing and environment.

Next, the lyrics describe the narrator's experiences with the people and places that remind him of his past. The cracks in the pavement are like emotional scars or hardships that have shaped him, while the strange people behind the window panes represent the judgment and scrutiny he feels from others. The girl he used to love, who now ignores him, symbolizes rejection and isolation. These encounters emphasize the narrator's sense of being misunderstood and disconnected from society.

Finally, the narrator seeks solace with a preacher, hoping that religious guidance can offer him a sense of purpose and acceptance. However, even the preacher seems uncomfortable with the narrator, suggesting that the societal stigma around mental health extends even to religious communities. The mention of the "golden gate" could be a reference to heaven or salvation, but it also serves as a metaphor for the elusive search for understanding and belonging.

Overall, "The Real Me" delves into the struggles of individuals with mental health issues who yearn to be seen and understood by others. It explores the frustration of feeling marginalized and misunderstood, highlighting the need for empathy, acceptance, and a shift in societal perceptions.