The Stigma
As It Is Lyrics

I see a pain behind your eyes
The singer can sense the pain that the other person is feeling and he is empathizing with them.

I know you feel it everyday
The singer understands that the pain that the other person feels is a constant part of their life.

It's like a light that slowly dies
The pain that the other person feels is like a slowly fading light, indicating that they are losing hope and vitality.

But it's better not to say
The artist is acknowledging that it may not be appropriate or helpful to talk openly about one's pain in certain contexts or situations.

It's better not to say such things out loud
The artist believes that is it more prudent to keep one's struggles inside and not speak them out loud, may be to avoid people's judgment or to prevent further distress in themselves or others.

Just close your eyes and bite your tongue for now
The singer is suggesting that the other person should grit their teeth and refrain from expressing their negative emotions openly for the time being.

Don't let them see you fall
The singer is advising the other person not to reveal themselves as vulnerable or weak, which may prompt others to take advantage of them at their lowest point.

Stay strong, hold on
The artist is urging the other person to be tough and resilient, even in the face of inner turmoil.

You've got to keep it together now
The artist is exhorting the other person to keep themselves composed and put-together despite their emotional struggles.

Just dry your eyes
The artist is encouraging the other person to stop crying or showing any signs of weakness, which are associated with femininity and not masculinity.

'Cause boys don't cry
The singer is reinforcing the toxic, gender-based myth that men are not supposed to show emotions like crying or vulnerability, because it is perceived as weak and unmanly.

You feel an emptiness inside
The artist is acknowledging that the other person is experiencing a profound sense of emptiness or hollowness within themselves.

How it sinks into your soul
The singer is describing how this emptiness or sorrow is affecting the other person on a deep and fundamental level.

But it's nothing you can't hide
The singer is implying that the other person can hide this pain or pretend that everything is okay by putting on a brave face or acting tough.

Just forget about the hole beneath your skin
The singer is suggesting that the other person should ignore or suppress the pain inside them, rather than dealing with it directly or seeking help.

That's swallowing the best of you with it
The artist is warning the other person that if they keep ignoring or concealing their pain, it will consume them and rob them of their potential or vitality.

Keep it all inside, 'cause boys don't cry
The artist is pressuring the other person to repress their emotions and not let them out, as it is perceived as unmanly or weak to do so.

Are those tears behind your eyes?
The singer is questioning the other person if they are crying, as this is a sign of weakness or unmanliness according to societal norms.

Nuh-uh, no! Boys don't cry!
The singer is affirming that men should not shed tears or show any signs of vulnerability, as this defies the cultural expectation of masculine toughness and stoicism.

Not until the fateful day you die
The artist is implying that the other person can only cry or show emotions when they are on their deathbed, as this is the only time when society would view it as acceptable.

'Cause boys don't cry
The artist is repeating the refrain from the chorus, reinforcing the idea that men should not show weakness or vulnerability in any form.