Pillbox
Aaron Sprinkle Lyrics
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I'll be ready to begin
Ready to stand up to it
And it gets me back again
On my word I could never see it coming
Cause I never could keep up on
Anyone
But you wouldn't
Tell me what to do
And I never could see through you
Even sometimes
On better days
You and I
Will figure this out
Push it down
Look behind
When it gets me back again
I'll be ready to begin
Ready to stand up to it
And it gets me back again
The lyrics of Pillbox by Aaron Sprinkle signify determination to face and overcome one's problems. The song starts with the singer saying that when "it" (presumably, the problems or difficulties he faces) "gets me back again," he will be ready to begin and take a stand. He accepts that he never saw the problems coming, and he couldn't keep up with anyone. The singer feels betrayed by someone who promised to guide him but never did. Even though he could not see through the facade, he believes that on better days, he and the person who betrayed him will figure everything out. The chorus repeats the phrase, "When it gets me back again, I'll be ready to begin, Ready to stand up to it, And it gets me back again," which signifies that he will overcome whatever obstacle comes his way.
The use of the term "Pillbox" in the title and as a recurring metaphor in the lyrics is interesting. It usually refers to a container, typically plastic, used for storing medication pills. The term has been associated with fortifications during World War II because of the bunker-like structure. It is unclear what the song signifies by using "Pillbox," but it could be a metaphor for storing the singer's coping mechanisms to tackle his problems.
Line by Line Meaning
When it gets me back again
Referring to a negative influence or addiction, the singer is acknowledging their vulnerability to it.
I'll be ready to begin
The singer is optimistic that they can overcome this vulnerability and start the journey towards recovery.
Ready to stand up to it
The singer is determined to confront and resist the negative influence or addiction.
And it gets me back again
Despite their best efforts, the artist occasionally succumbs to the negative influence or addiction.
On my word I could never see it coming
The artist admits that they didn't anticipate the impact of the negative influence or addiction.
Cause I never could keep up on
The singer struggled to stay in control or ahead of the negative influence or addiction.
Anyone
Referring to others who are seemingly unaffected by the negative influence or addiction, the singer feels isolated and alone in their struggle.
You said you could
Addressing someone who claimed to have a solution or way out of the situation.
But you wouldn't
However, this someone refused or failed to help the artist.
Tell me what to do
The artist sought guidance and direction from this someone.
And I never could see through you
The singer was unable to discern the true intentions or character of this someone.
Even sometimes
Admitting that there were moments of uncertainty and doubt in their relationship with this someone.
On better days
Looking forward to a time when things are more hopeful and optimistic.
You and I
Addressing another person and expressing the need for support and companionship.
Will figure this out
The singer is confident that together, they can find a way to overcome the negative influence or addiction.
Push it down
Referring to the negative influence or addiction, the artist wants to suppress or eliminate it.
Look behind
The artist wants to examine the root cause or triggers of the negative influence or addiction in order to address it more effectively.
Contributed by Nathaniel T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.