Meaning of "Visions Of A Life" by Wolf Alice

"Visions of a Life" delves into the complex emotions of the speaker, exploring themes of fear, loneliness, and the struggle to find meaning and connection in life. The opening lines, "The skin on my bones is leather cold, Poisoned my heart beats slow," indicate a sense of detachment and emotional numbness. The speaker feels like a curse to their friends, unable to mend their past mistakes. This sense of guilt and fear contributes to the overpowering fear of crashing and not being able to bounce back.

The repetition of the phrase "Fear of crashing and not coming back" emphasizes the speaker's anxieties and the constant threat of failure looming over their existence. This fear extends to the emotional realm, as the speaker dreams of death and feels caught in a dance with their own mortality. They contemplate cleansing their soul but acknowledge that their demons know their deepest truths and are always present.

The chorus, "Visions of a life, Where I was satisfied, Feed my hungry mind, Where are you when I close my eyes?" expresses a longing for a life where the speaker feels content and fulfilled. They crave emotional nourishment and seek solace in their dreams, questioning the absence of someone or something when they retreat into their own mind.

The following verses touch on the speaker's outcast status and feelings of being misunderstood. They adhere to societal norms, yet still find themselves on the outside looking in. The frustration and disconnect are heightened by the contrasting line, "Why was I born with itchy feet?" which suggests a restless and dissatisfied nature. The speaker admits to hating the people they meet, suggesting a difficulty in relating to others and a disdain for the superficial nature of social interactions.

The repeated line, "Stay as you are, Everybody likes you, Everybody cares," highlights the speaker's desire to be accepted and loved. They yearn for authenticity and struggle with the pressure to conform. The mention of a nuclear family and friends their own age further emphasizes their longing for connection and a sense of belonging.

The closing lines convey a deep resignation and a sense of closing oneself off from the world. The speaker decides to leave, symbolizing a desire to escape the pain and isolation they feel. The metaphor of the heart in their hand represents taking control of their own emotions and making a clean break. They choose to cut themselves off from the outside world, believing it is better than being emotionally dead inside.