Song meaning of Colored Out by The Republic Of Wolves

The lyrics of "Colored Out" by The Republic of Wolves convey a sense of disillusionment and the struggle to find personal identity and meaning in a chaotic and uncertain world. The song explores themes of self-discovery, the consequences of conformity, and the search for authenticity.

The opening lines depict a feeling of being lost and misguided, heading in the wrong direction. The references to aging and heading uphill suggest a struggle against time and uphill battles to find oneself. The shrine symbolizes a place of rest or peace, where the persona believes they would find solace.

The chorus reveals a sense of breaking free and breaking against societal expectations and illusions. The repeated line "If we're just pretenders, what the hell's the truth for?" suggests that conformity and pretense mask the truth and make it difficult to navigate through life authentically. The personas find themselves caught in a web of lies and illusions, questioning their own actions and authenticity.

The line "I got colored out" represents a transformation or departure from the norm. The persona no longer fits into society's expectations and norms, becoming a "strangled stone" and a "churchless reverend." This suggests a loss of faith and a distancing from previous beliefs and traditions.

The bridge section reflects on the uncertainty and struggle of choosing one's own path, represented by the metaphor of an iron cage. Isolation and the absence of companionship are highlighted by the repeated line "there's no one to clasp beside."

The song ends with a reflection on the persona's attempts to keep someone else safe, symbolized by their hands being flames. The final lines highlight a realization of being on the wrong path, staring at the wrong reflection, and the persona's decision to step out of a faked existence. This suggests a desire for a genuine and authentic experience, which they realize can only be achieved by distancing themselves from others.

In summary, "Colored Out" explores themes of disillusionment, self-discovery, and the search for authenticity in a chaotic world. The lyrics indicate a longing to break free from societal expectations and pretenses, and the struggle to find meaning and connect with others in an increasingly isolated existence.