The Shell
Audio Learning Center Lyrics


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Uncovering the lie
Couldn't look you in the eye
Got caught

And every time I thought we'd mend
You'd just fall apart again
It's not your fault
Cause no matter how many seeds of doubt she plants in me

I drink to numb the pain
Til everything's the same
Was barely there

Climbing up the walls
Wondering if we'll
Be the same

Cause no matter how many seeds of doubt she plants in me

I know that I will be alright
Buried encased safe inside
Built from pains and fears
That I've collected over years
I knew that I

There's a girl that thinks that she is in love with me
She believes I
And though I know she's real
Just can't bring myself to feel anything

Cause no matter how many seeds of love she plants in me

I know that I'm not - I'm not okay
Nothing can grow in here - suffocates
And I'm truly sorry dear




There's just not much left in here
I'm afraid that I

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Audio Learning Center's song The Shell are about the pain of failed relationships and the difficulty of moving on. The singer laments being caught in a lie and how every time he tries to mend the relationship, it ends up falling apart again. The person he is speaking to, perhaps a romantic partner or friend, is also struggling with their own issues and planting seeds of doubt or love, depending on the situation.


The singer attempts to numb their pain with alcohol and feels like they are barely existing or climbing the walls. Despite this, they know that they will be alright, as they have built themselves up over the years with the pain and fears they have collected. They are also unwilling or unable to reciprocate the romantic feelings of the girl who loves them, despite knowing that she is real.


The song ends on a melancholy note, with the singer acknowledging that they are not okay and that nothing can grow inside them anymore. They apologize for not having much left in them and express their fear about moving forward.


Overall, The Shell is a poignant exploration of the difficulties of relationships and the emotions that come with them. It touches on themes of vulnerability, self-preservation, and the hope for healing.


Line by Line Meaning

Uncovering the lie
Revealing the truth about dishonesty


Couldn't look you in the eye
Avoiding confrontation as a result of guilt


Got caught
Being held accountable for one's actions


And every time I thought we'd mend
Having hope for reconciliation in a damaged relationship


You'd just fall apart again
Seeing the repeated breakdown of the relationship despite efforts to fix it


It's not your fault
Exonerating the other person from blame for the failed relationship


Cause no matter how many seeds of doubt she plants in me
Despite the other person's attempts to make the singer doubt themselves


I drink to numb the pain
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism


Til everything's the same
Trying to avoid change and maintain the status quo


Was barely there
Being emotionally absent or detached


Climbing up the walls
Feeling trapped and anxious


Wondering if we'll
Questioning whether the relationship will improve


Be the same
Resisting or fearing change


I know that I will be alright
Having confidence in their ability to overcome the situation


Buried encased safe inside
Being protected by one's walls and defenses


Built from pains and fears
Using past traumas to fortify oneself


That I've collected over years
Accumulating emotional baggage over time


There's a girl that thinks that she is in love with me
Being pursued by someone romantically


She believes I
Having faith in the singer's potential and character


And though I know she's real
Acknowledging the other person's existence and sincerity


Just can't bring myself to feel anything
Being emotionally closed off or unavailable


Cause no matter how many seeds of love she plants in me
Despite the other person's attempts to express affection


I know that I'm not - I'm not okay
Recognizing and admitting one's emotional struggles


Nothing can grow in here - suffocates
Being unwilling or unable to let love in and nourish oneself


And I'm truly sorry dear
Expressing regret for hurting the other person


There's just not much left in here
Being emotionally drained or depleted


I'm afraid that I
Feeling anxious or hesitant




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Joe Ochoa

I can get this melody in my head and have to revisit this gem.

Joe Ochoa

Such a good song

Chaz Lewis

Its nice to know theres at least one other person in the world who thinks that! :P I know its old now but I've always thought this deserved more attention

Maggie Digrazio

This was my favorite song like a decade ago.. omg

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