Meaning of "Paralysis" by Young The Giant

The song "Paralysis" delves into the theme of feeling stagnant and disconnected from both oneself and others. The repetition of the line "Paralyzed, on the floor again" emphasizes a state of immobility and being stuck in a rut. The protagonist feels a sense of emptiness, as expressed through the line "Lately I've been thinking, I'm not feeling anything at all." This suggests a detachment from emotions and a longing for a change or a spark. They question their own survival, wondering if they will be able to make it through the "dead of night." The fading lights symbolize a loss of hope and energy, as well as a sense of slipping away. The plea to be saved from their disaster reflects a desire for someone or something to come and rescue them from their own struggles. The "mouth of a monster" represents the internal struggles or obstacles that the protagonist must overcome in order to find solace and escape their state of paralysis.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of false appearances and misconceptions. The line "You didn't always come up from the water, I only thought you were crying from laughter" suggests that the protagonist has misunderstood someone close to them. This emphasizes the idea that one can never truly know what someone else is going through, as appearances can be deceiving. The line can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the protagonist feigning happiness, hiding their own struggles behind a facade.

Overall, "Paralysis" explores feelings of stagnation, disconnection, and the longing for change and salvation. It delves into the complexities of human emotions and the fragile nature of appearances.