Song meaning of Temporarily Blind by Built to Spill

The lyrics of "Temporarily Blind" by Built to Spill convey a sense of personal introspection and the struggle to communicate and understand oneself in a world that often feels overwhelming and confusing. The repetition of "Bet you can't tell I'm temporarily blind" suggests an inner turmoil or confusion that is not immediately evident from the outside. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling lost or disconnected from one's inner self or the world around them.

The repeated phrase "There's one in everyone" could be referring to the idea that everyone has their own personal struggles and challenges, highlighting the universal nature of these feelings. It suggests that even though we may feel alone in our experiences, we are all connected by the shared experience of navigating life and its complexities.

The chorus reflects a yearning for understanding and connection. The line "Turn your back on this hating" could be seen as a plea to let go of negativity and prejudice, while "Turn your back on this waiting" may represent a desire to move forward and find resolution or clarity.

The final verse touches on the importance of history and learning from the past. It implies that ignorance breeds apathy, as indicated by the line "Who history doesn't teach, it makes numb." The concluding lines suggest that the message being conveyed is difficult to articulate and explain, implying the complexity and depth of the feelings being explored in the song.

Overall, "Temporarily Blind" captures the struggle to understand oneself and find connection and meaning in a complex world, urging listeners to turn away from negativity, embrace empathy, and learn from history.