Bring Me The Horizon's "n/A": A Raw and Relatable Anthem of Addiction
Introduction and Meaning
Bring Me The Horizon's "n/A" is an unflinchingly honest exploration of addiction's depths, offering a raw and relatable glimpse into the struggles faced by those battling substance abuse. The song's title, "n/A" (Not Available or Not Applicable), may also allude to Narcotics Anonymous, given the introduction and thematic focus on addiction.
Lyrical Content and Confessional Tone
The track opens with a stark introduction, setting the scene of a support group meeting, immediately establishing the song's thematic focus. Lead vocalist Oli Sykes then delivers a candid confession, revealing the cyclical nature of addiction and the internal turmoil it breeds. The lyrics are visceral and unfiltered, exposing the dark thoughts, self-destructive impulses, and desperate yearning for escape that accompany addiction.
Unique Instrumentation and Structure
The song's acoustic beginning is a departure from the band's usual sonic intensity, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. This stripped-down approach amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics, allowing Sykes' confessional tone to take center stage. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, incorporating electronic elements and distorted guitars, mirroring the escalating chaos and internal conflict. However, the acoustic guitar remains a constant presence, grounding the song in its raw emotional core.
"n/A" stands out on the album due to its unique instrumentation and structure. The catchy chorus, with its sing-along quality, creates a sense of community and shared experience, inviting listeners to connect with the song's message on a deeper level. This communal aspect is further emphasized by the recorded live audience participation from various tour dates, reinforcing the idea that addiction is a struggle faced by many.
Relatable and Cathartic Experience
Sykes' lyrics are both deeply personal and universally relatable. His candid portrayal of the mental and emotional toll of addiction resonates with anyone who has battled similar demons or witnessed a loved one's struggle. The song's power lies in its unflinching honesty, offering a cathartic experience for both the artist and the listener.
BMTH n/A Review
While "n/A" doesn't offer a simple solution or a happy ending, it provides a much-needed voice for those grappling with addiction. By shining a light on the darkness, the song fosters a sense of understanding, empathy, and hope. "n/A" is a testament to the power of music to connect us, heal us, and remind us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Listen to Bring Me The Horizon n/A
Bring Me The Horizon n/A Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of Bring Me The Horizon's "n/A" is an intense reflection on personal struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and self-destructive thoughts. The lyrics are a raw and candid expression of Oli Sykes' inner turmoil, depicting a battle against dark impulses and the feeling of being overwhelmed by negative emotions.
Intro: Introducing the Struggle
The song opens with a spoken introduction by Zakk Cervini, setting the stage as if in a support group: "Okay, folks, we've got a new face joining us / Why don't you go ahead and share a little bit about yourself?" This introduces Oli Sykes as someone who is about to share his personal struggles, immediately creating an atmosphere of vulnerability and confession.
Verse 1: Admitting Addiction
In the first verse, Oli Sykes introduces himself as an addict, candidly admitting, "Hi, my name's Oli and I'm an addict." This line is met with a supportive "Hi, Oli," reminiscent of group therapy sessions. Sykes describes his mental state as "not quite all there" and reveals that what once brought him joy has turned into a source of anxiety: "Now just me checking my pulse in my underwear." This stark imagery highlights the depth of his distress and the intrusive nature of his dark thoughts.
Chorus: Dark and Self-Destructive Thoughts
The chorus vividly portrays Sykes' suicidal ideation and self-destructive urges: "Thinking I should drop dead, eat shit, go to Hell / I could jump headfirst out the window." These lines depict a profound sense of hopelessness and the desire to escape his pain through extreme measures. The metaphor "make love to a chainsaw" and "wrap my drop-top 'round a lamppost" further emphasize his reckless and self-destructive impulses. The recurring line "Not sure I'll be coming back down this time" suggests a fear that he may not recover from these dark moments.
Verse 2: Confronting Self-Deception
In the second verse, Sykes confronts himself harshly: "Hello, Oli, you fucking knobhead." This self-directed anger reflects his frustration and disappointment with himself. He acknowledges that despite his assurances of recovery, he has left a "key under the mat for the wolves," symbolizing his lingering vulnerability to his destructive tendencies.
Bridge: Acknowledging Limitations
The bridge introduces a moment of resignation: "Got out on good behaviour / I'm sorry, kid, but I can't be your saviour." Here, Sykes admits his inability to be a source of stability or salvation for others, perhaps addressing both himself and those who rely on him. This line underscores the weight of his internal struggle and the impact it has on his relationships.
Outro: Chaotic Mental State
The outro captures the chaotic and tumultuous state of Sykes' mind: " 'Cause I'm fucking losing it, get a grip, ignore all the signs / The voices in my head keep telling me I'm fine." This juxtaposition of losing control while trying to maintain a facade of normalcy reveals the intense inner conflict he experiences. The repeated questioning and confusion in "Out of luck, what the fuck? / What am I gonna do? / Where did it go wrong?" highlight his desperation and search for answers amidst the chaos.
"n/A" by Bring Me The Horizon is a poignant and unfiltered depiction of Oli Sykes' struggles with addiction, mental health, and the pervasive influence of dark, self-destructive thoughts. The lyrics resonate with themes of vulnerability, self-awareness, and the ongoing battle to find stability and meaning in the face of overwhelming inner demons.
Bring Me The Horizon n/A Lyrics
[Intro: Zakk Cervini]
Okay, folks, we've got a new face joining us
Why don't you go ahead and share a little bit about yourself?
[Verse 1: Oli Sykes]
Hi, my name's Oli and I'm an addict (Hi, Oli)
I'm here 'cause I'm not quite all there
'Cause what used to be my idea of a laugh is
Now just me checking my pulse in my underwear
[Chorus: Oli Sykes]
Thinking I should drop dead, eat shit, go to Hell
I could jump headfirst out the window
Dark thoughts keep on filling up in my mind, oh-oh
Kinda wanna get fucked, make love to a chainsaw
Wrap my drop-top 'round a lamppost
Not sure I'll be coming back down this time
[Verse 2: Oli Sykes]
Hello, Oli, you fucking knobhead
Yeah
Did you think you had us fooled?
And, baby, I know that I told you I was out of the woods
But I still left a kеy under the mat for the wolvеs
[Chorus: Oli Sykes]
So maybe I should drop dead, eat shit, go to Hell
I could jump headfirst out the window
Dark thoughts keep on filling up in my mind, woah
Kinda wanna get fucked, make love to a chainsaw
Wrap my drop-top 'round a lamppost
Not sure I'll be coming back down this time
Fuck it
[Bridge: Oli Sykes]
Got out on good behaviour
I'm sorry, kid, but I can't be your saviour
I don't know what you expected
[Chorus: Oli Sykes]
So maybe I should drop dead, eat shit, go to Hell
I could jump headfirst out the window
Dark thoughts keep on filling up in my mind
Kinda wanna get fucked, make love to a chainsaw
Wrap my drop-top 'round a lamppost
Not sure I'll be coming back down this time (Time)
[Outro: Oli Sykes & Jordan Fish]
'Cause I'm fucking losing it, get a grip, ignore all the signs
The voices in my head keep telling me I'm fine
Out of luck, what the fuck?
What am I gonna do?
Where did it go wrong?
One, two, three, four
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