Declaration of Incompetence
Owen Lyrics

The lyrics of Owen's song Declaration of Incompetence convey a strong sense of self-doubt and helplessness. The opening lines, "I've got nothing to say, I've got building block for teeth, and a tube sock, for a tongue," suggest an inability to articulate one's thoughts and feelings, as if the singer lacks the necessary tools to communicate effectively. This theme is reinforced throughout the song, with lines like "I can't do anything, I can't do my hair right, or have a good time, or fall asleep with my girl." The singer seems to view themselves as hopelessly inept, unable to perform even the most basic tasks or connect with others in meaningful ways.

The chorus of the song offers a bleak choice: either "cover your eyes, both hands tight" to avoid seeing the singer's inadequacies, or "just leave." The singer seems resigned to the idea that they are fundamentally flawed and that others might be better off without them. This feeling is further emphasized in the final lines of the song, where the singer says they won't blame others for not wanting to be with "a dead beat like me."

Overall, the song's lyrics paint a picture of someone who feels deeply inadequate and disconnected from others. The imagery of building blocks for teeth and a tube sock for a tongue is particularly striking and suggests a sense of being incomplete or unfinished. The repeated refrain of "If you don't wanna see the worst in me" underscores the singer's self-perception as someone who is fundamentally flawed and unlovable.