Formula
Chiasm Lyrics

kick/snare/kick/release me
Start of the song, where the artist expresses the need for release from the constant repetition of life, represented in the sound of the kick and snare drums.

no peace
The artist feels restless and dissatisfied with the status quo.

the clones they want to be
The artist observes how society values conformity over individuality.

you'll never find in me
The artist affirms their refusal to conform to society's expectations.

they yearn to be the same
The artist reiterates society's obsession with conformity.

how could they be so plain
The artist questions how people can settle for mediocrity and sameness.

they wanted love too much
The artist acknowledges that society's desire for love often motivates conformity and sameness.

come here and beg to touch
The artist presents a scenario of someone begging for attention and affection.

I'll hold onto the truth
The artist values honesty and integrity over conformity and popularity.

and grasp onto my youth
The artist feels nostalgia for their youth, where they were able to be more true to themselves.

repeated jealous phobia
The artist acknowledges the fear of being judged and criticized by others, especially those who are jealous.

I know it's just a formula
The artist recognizes that this fear is part of a societal formula that encourages conformity and discourages individuality.

what is normal?
The artist poses a rhetorical question that highlights the arbitrary nature of societal norms and expectations.

what everyone else is and you are not
The artist implies that societal norms place pressure on individuals to conform, regardless of whether it aligns with their individuality and authenticity.

when will there be something rare
The artist expresses the desire for authenticity and rarity to be valued in society.

you know someone has got to care
The artist acknowledges that in order for authenticity to be valued, someone needs to take the lead in showing that it is important.

all that lingers everywhere is never-ending kick/snare/kick/snare
The artist emphasizes the repetition and monotony of the societal formula, represented again in the sound of the drums.

insert sample here
This line is likely referring to an instrumental break or transition in the song, where the artist is telling the producer to insert a sample.

i'll never be the same
The artist acknowledges that they will never fully conform to societal norms and expectations.

i'm left with what remains
The artist is left with the remnants of societal pressure and fear, but refuses to fully give in to it.

of what they thought was lost
The artist recognizes that societal norms have convinced individuals to abandon parts of themselves that are deemed unacceptable or unfashionable.

i'll have to bear the cost
The artist acknowledges that being true to oneself often comes at a cost, both socially and emotionally, but is willing to pay it.

for years i tried to do
The artist reflects on how long they have struggled with this issue and how hard they have tried to conform in the past.

all that could not be true
The artist recognizes that they were not living authentically, but instead, living according to what others expected of them.

i'll have to learn to be
The artist recognizes that living authentically takes practice and effort.

what lurks inside of me
The artist acknowledges that their true self has been hidden inside, inaccessible due to societal pressure and fear.

the way you once were with me then
The artist reflects on a past relationship where the other person was accepting of their true self.

reminded me you were a friend
The artist values friendships that allow for authenticity and acceptance.

and now that we've remained apart
The artist reflects on how distance and time can cause a rift in relationships.

i've found another's broken heart
The artist empathizes with someone who has experienced heartbreak.

alone i've cried and felt the pain
The artist reflects on how feeling isolated can be painful.

we'll have through life again, again
The artist recognizes that pain is an inevitable part of life and that it will likely happen again and again.

but love will heal our souls at last
The artist expresses hope that love and connection can help to alleviate pain.

and let us live without the past
The artist acknowledges that the past can be painful and that moving on from it can be healing.

repeated jealous phobia
The artist ends the song with this line, emphasizing that the fear of judgment and rejection is a recurring theme in society.

i know it's just a formula
The artist reiterates that this fear is part of a larger societal formula that values conformity and sameness over authenticity and individuality.