Meant to Be
Norman Lake Lyrics

In the first verse, the lyrics convey a sense of dissatisfaction and despair in the singer's daily life. The "daily offerings" can be seen as mundane routines or habits that bring no fulfillment. The mention of cigarettes and coughing in the morning suggests a self-destructive behavior, while the reference to coldness implies a lack of warmth or vitality in the singer's body and emotions. The questioning of being "just a haunting" implies a feeling of being empty or incomplete, longing for something more substantial. The singer blames themselves and retreats, feeling like they are disappearing into nothingness. Overall, these lyrics express a deep sense of disconnection and a struggle to find one's true purpose or identity.

Moving into the second verse, the lyrics describe the singer's state of mind in the evenings. They mention being "stoned," which could refer to drug use or a feeling of being mentally numb or detached. The disposition slowly creeping away implies a gradual loss of emotional stability or a growing detachment from oneself and one's surroundings. The reference to rising tides dragging them to the ceiling suggests the overwhelming weight of negative emotions and thoughts that feel suffocating. The lines "Tell me I'm healing" express a desire for reassurance and validation that they are on the path to recovery or self-improvement. However, there is a contradiction present, as the singer admits that they don't love themselves and believe no one else can either. This line reveals a deep internal struggle and a lack of self-acceptance that contributes to their perceived identity crisis.

The repetition of the line "This is not who I'm meant to be" throughout the song emphasizes the core theme of the lyrics. The singer strongly believes that their current state of being is not aligned with their true potential or purpose in life. They feel trapped in a version of themselves that they do not identify with or desire to be. The plea to God in the line "Oh God, this is not who I'm meant to be" suggests a longing for divine intervention or guidance in finding their true self. It highlights the intensity of their desire for change and a deep yearning for a more authentic existence.

Overall, these lyrics explore themes of dissatisfaction, self-doubt, and the search for identity and purpose. The song conveys a sense of inner turmoil and the struggle to break free from negative patterns or self-imposed limitations. Through introspection and a plea for transformation, the singer longs to find the version of themselves they believe they are destined to be.