Webs
Elder Brother Lyrics

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Laying on a mattress
That I've have had since I was nine
The springs gave way some years ago
The frame is doing fine

I'm not looking for anything
I'm not looking for anything

If seeing is believing
I guess I'm really blind
And is it me or is wondering
A decent state of mind

I always try to make some sense
Of webs that intertwine
And if you never ask me anything
I'll never have to lie

I'm not looking for anything
I just wanna listen to explosions from my bed
I'm not looking for anything
I just want a place to put my head

This paper tigers past a buck
My in-head embarrassment made me a sitting duck
In a world that's colder than the deepest river stone
It's hard to be alone

I'm not looking for anything
I just wanna listen to explosions from my bed

I'm not looking for anything
I just want a place to put my head

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song Webs by Elder Brother serve as a vivid description of the singer's physical environment, but also suggest a sense of emotional and mental stasis. The image of the old mattress, which has sustained the singer since they were nine years old, is juxtaposed with the fact that its springs are giving way. This could symbolize the fact that they are outgrowing their past, but at the same time, they are not yet willing to let go of the comfort it provides. The line "The frame is doing fine" further emphasizes this ambivalence - their exterior remains strong, but internally, they are in a state of unrest.

The chorus of the song serves to underscore this sense of detachment and disengagement. The singer declares that they are not looking for anything in particular, and instead just want to "listen to explosions from my bed". This line could be interpreted in a few ways – perhaps it signifies a desire for chaos and disruption, or maybe it's a metaphor for the singer's need for a way to escape and release pent-up emotions. Either way, the lines suggest a kind of numbness and apathy towards the outside world.

The next verse of the song touches upon the singer's difficulty in navigating the complexities of human relationships. They express frustration and confusion about the "webs that intertwine" between individuals, but it ultimately seems like they would rather avoid interaction altogether than confront these issues head-on. The final lines of the song shift to a more plaintive tone, as the singer admits that it's hard to be alone in a world that can feel unforgiving and cold.

Line by Line Meaning

Laying on a mattress
I am currently in a state of comfort, though it's not the most ideal comfort.

That I've have had since I was nine
I've had this specific mattress for the majority of my life.

The springs gave way some years ago
The functionality of the mattress has deteriorated over time, making it less comfortable to lay on.

The frame is doing fine
The structure of the mattress is still holding up, but the comfort aspect is lacking.

I'm not looking for anything
I have no motives at the moment, and I am content with the way things are currently.

If seeing is believing
If I can't see something, I assume it isn't there.

I guess I'm really blind
I may have a limited perception or understanding of things happening around me.

And is it me or is wondering
I am uncertain if it's just me or if having an inquisitive mind is common.

A decent state of mind
Having an inquisitive mind is an important trait to possess.

I always try to make some sense
I make an effort to understand the complicated and interconnected aspects of life.

Of webs that intertwine
Life has many interconnected aspects and complexities, similar to a spider's web.

And if you never ask me anything
As long as people don't ask me questions, I won't have to provide false information or lie.

I'll never have to lie
I have no desire to be dishonest, but if someone were to ask me something that compromises my comfort or causes discomfort, I don't have to chime in if they don't ask.

I just wanna listen to explosions from my bed
I seek a state of relaxation, but in a stimulating way, by enjoying explosions in the distance from a comfortable spot at home.

I just want a place to put my head
All I seek is a simple yet comfortable and restful spot to lay my head down.

This paper tigers past a buck
This weak and cowardly behavior of brushing problems aside is problematic and needs to be addressed.

My in-head embarrassment made me a sitting duck
My personal and internalized feelings of embarrassment or shame make me vulnerable to an attack.

In a world that's colder than the deepest river stone
The world can be an unforgiving and bleak place, which exacerbates feelings of isolation and loneliness.

It's hard to be alone
Isolation and loneliness can be challenging to cope with and manage.

Contributed by Adam P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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