Song meaning of Knives (Alternate Take) by 10 Years

The lyrics of the song "Knives (Alternate Take)" by 10 Years convey a message about the destructive nature of guilt, the struggle with insomnia, and the consequences of playing God. The lyrics suggest a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction by mentioning the inability to find peace even in sleep ("Counting sheep's never reach, Sound asleep fantasies, Suck me dry, Insomnia"). The use of sedatives and the desire to silence the internal chaos indicate a search for numbness and escape from reality ("Settle in sedatives, Silence these sirens, I am uncomfortably numb").

The song also touches upon the concept of divine punishment and the burden of guilt. It speaks about paying the price for one's sins with the souls of the innocent, and the cycle of violence perpetuated by those who believe they have the power to play God ("Paralyzed by the sins of a guilty man, Dirty hands playing God again"). This theme is reinforced by the mention of a bruised Bible and karma catching up ("Bible bruised black and blue, Karma comes overdue").

The repeated line "Wake up, wake up, wake up dead fly" suggests a call to snap out of complacency and confront the harsh realities of life. The cutting knives symbolize the pain and damage caused by one's actions, urging the listener to stop wasting time and face the consequences ("Come why keep killing time? Cutting like knives, you're cutting like knives").

Overall, the lyrics express a deep sense of turmoil, guilt, and the need for self-reflection, as well as a warning about the destructive power of unchecked actions.