Trampled by Turtles’ song “The Middle” delves into the complexities of inner struggles and the pursuit of a middle ground in life. It’s a reflection on the challenges of balancing one’s desires with the harsh realities of life. The songwriter seems to be grappling with personal demons, perhaps addiction or inner turmoil, as suggested by references to a bottle and the mention of lies and madness. There’s a longing for peace and stability, highlighted by the wish for things to be another way. It appears the songwriter penned this song as a cathartic expression of his internal battles and the quest for a semblance of balance.
The lyrics of “The Middle” are poetic, filled with metaphors and imagery that evoke a sense of introspection and yearning. They reveal a journey through emotional landscapes, where moments of peace are fleeting and struggles are constant. Curious to learn more about this journey?
“The Middle” Lyrics Meaning
“I wasn’t higher than I was supposed to be, But the walls froze through then they shatter.” These opening lines set a tone of introspection and regret. The songwriter reflects on a state of mind that wasn’t intended to be overwhelming but became uncontrollable, symbolized by the shattering walls.
“Partially peaceful sitting in an empty room, While the lights outside never matter.” Here, the songwriter finds temporary solace in isolation, indifferent to the world outside. It’s a fleeting moment of calm in a storm of chaos.
“There’s a bitter pill on the other side, Smoky shaded space in a double-wide.” These lines hint at difficult truths and realities that are hard to swallow. The “smoky shaded space” suggests a murky, unclear situation, possibly alluding to the songwriter’s mental state.
“We could come to the middle, Let it all pass through.” This chorus embodies the song’s core message: the yearning for balance, a middle ground where life’s extremes can coexist and pass without overwhelming the individual.
“I’m a pretender, It’s like being the morning sun.” These lines reveal a sense of self-doubt and the pressure of living up to expectations, akin to the burden of being a source of light and warmth like the morning sun.
“How I wish it could be another way, And I wouldn’t stumble and go away.” Expresses a desire for an alternate reality where mistakes and failures don’t lead to retreat or escape.
The subsequent verses continue this exploration of inner turmoil, with references to addiction (“I had a bottle”), failed aspirations (“Morning never cuts like I want it to”), and the ever-widening gap between the self and others (“There’s a canyon in between me and you”).
The Story Behind “The Middle”
The songwriter’s state of mind while writing “The Middle” seems to be one of reflection and self-evaluation. This song comes from a period of personal struggle, possibly with issues like addiction or mental health. The repeated references to a bottle and thunderous nights suggest a battle with substance abuse or inner demons that disrupt peace and stability.
The imagery of shattering walls, smoky spaces, and a canyon between two people indicates a sense of fragmentation, both within the self and in relationships with others. It’s as if the songwriter acknowledges the complexities and contradictions of his experiences and emotions.
The song’s emphasis on finding a middle ground suggests a desire for balance, a space where the extremes of life’s experiences can coexist without causing destruction. This yearning for equilibrium might reflect the songwriter’s own quest to find peace amidst turmoil.
The mention of being a pretender and the morning sun could signify the pressure of living up to external expectations while struggling internally. It’s a common theme among artists, where the persona presented to the world often masks the turmoil within.
“The Middle” is a journey through the human experience of seeking balance in a world that often feels unbalanced. It’s about the struggle to find peace in chaos, light in darkness, and a middle ground in a life of extremes.