Child Psychology
Black Box Recorder Lyrics

I stopped talking when I was six years old
At six years old, I decided to stop talking and disconnect from the outside world.

I didn't want anything more to do with the outside world
I chose to disengage from the world outside of myself.

I was happy being quiet
Being silent brought me happiness and peace.

But, of course, they wouldn't leave me alone
However, everyone around me wanted me to speak and engage with them.

My parents tried every trick in the book
My parents attempted various methods to get me to speak.

From speech therapists to child psychologists
They consulted doctors and specialists for assistance.

They even tried bribery
They tried to bribe me with material objects in exchange for talking.

I could have anything
I was offered any possession in the world if I would only speak.

As long as I said it out loud
However, the sole condition for this offer was that I verbalize my thoughts.

Life is unfair, kill yourself or get over it
This line means that sometimes life can feel unbearable, and the person must either find the strength to carry on or succumb to defeat.

Of course this episode didn't last forever
This period couldn't last indefinitely.

I'd made my point and it was time to move on
I'd communicated my message, and it was time to progress.

To peel away the next layer of deceit
I chose to expose the falseness of my environment.

And see what new surprises lay in store
I prepared myself for additional unexpected events.

My school report said I showed no interest
My academic report stated that I exhibited no interest in school.

"A disruptive influence"
I was considered a problematic student.

I felt sorry for them in a way
To some degree, I empathized with their situation.

And when they finally expelled me
Ultimately, the school decided to suspend me.

It didn't mean a thing
The expulsion had no impact on me.

The November day when I came home
After my expulsion, I returned home in November.

The Christmas decorations were already up
My family had already decorated for Christmas.

Spray on snow, coloured flashing lights
The decorations included faux snow and multi-colored blinking bulbs.

And an artificial tree that played Silent Night
The tree was synthetic and played a recording of Silent Night.

Over and over again
The song repeated itself incessantly.

My parents welcomed me with loving arms
My parents affectionately embraced me.

But within an hour were back at each others throats
However, shortly after, they resumed their quarrelling.

Normal, happy childhood back on course
The family's routine of strife had once again resumed.

Batteries not included
This line likely refers to the fact that happiness cannot be achieved through superficial means like purchased products; rather, it requires internal work.