Nothingman & The End
Smarter_Than_U
Posts: 515
I am starting to hear these as sister songs. The "trapped in a well" imagery used in lyrics for both are what made me connect them. Also I read an interesting theory somewhere that "The End" could be from the perspective of Ed's biological father as he struggled with MS.
The interesting thing for me in pairing these tracks up (and applying the above interpretation of The End) is how it has changed the meaning of Nothingman for me. It feels much more sypathetic to "the man" now. For example, with the line "some words when spoken, can't be taken back" I used to see the words as ones that were spoken in anger. But now I see it as a doctor telling you and your wife you have a horrible disease and how those words change everything from that point on. Also, the escaping from the well part takes on a very different meaning since I always saw it as the woman be left there.
Anyway, this stuff may be super obvious to others, but I thought it was worth putting out there. I'd be curious to hear if others have made a similar connection between these songs or if I am crazy.
The interesting thing for me in pairing these tracks up (and applying the above interpretation of The End) is how it has changed the meaning of Nothingman for me. It feels much more sypathetic to "the man" now. For example, with the line "some words when spoken, can't be taken back" I used to see the words as ones that were spoken in anger. But now I see it as a doctor telling you and your wife you have a horrible disease and how those words change everything from that point on. Also, the escaping from the well part takes on a very different meaning since I always saw it as the woman be left there.
Anyway, this stuff may be super obvious to others, but I thought it was worth putting out there. I'd be curious to hear if others have made a similar connection between these songs or if I am crazy.
"Goddamn Romans. Sure know how to make a ... drum room." --Matt Cameron
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments
I think you're forcing something into the songs to fit your vision. We are talking about art here so there really is no harm in that from a subjective point of view if it gives the songs new and/or greater meaning to you. However, from an objective standpoint, I would have to say that you are seeing what you wish to be there, rather than what the material actually presents.
In a nut shell, you're reaching.
I highly doubt you'd be so flip if you were diagnosed with crushing disease--so I think the interpretation I am working with lately is not far-fetched on the "some words when spoken ..." line.
Plus --it's not just the word "well" -- it's the imagery and the consistent thread of two lovers being trapped in this deep dark place and one ultimately being left there to suffer alone that links these songs.
While your response is worded strongly, and I am OK being wrong (happens all the time!), nothing you've said is specific enough to persuade me to believe my intepretation is off. And though you claim to be objective, you don't offer any evidence other than generalities and generic feedback you've gotten on your English papers!
if it makes sense to you, then it makes sense...