Built to Break
Outbreak Lyrics


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Ask me what's wrong
I don't think I know.
But the walls are closing in...
And I've got no room to grow.

Another dead end.
I'll never learn.
Cause I still don't know...
Which way to turn.

Build me up.
Watch me break.
I should have learned...
From past mistakes.

Another dead end.
I'll never learn.
Cause I still don't know...
Which way to turn.

But set your trap.
I'll walk right in.
This game of fucking up,
I'll always win.

The walls are closing in.
The walls are fucking closing in.

Another dead end.
I'll never learn.




Cause I still don't know...
Which way to turn

Overall Meaning

In Outbreak's song "Built to Break," the lyrics describe an individual who is struggling to cope with their emotions and experiences. The first stanza portrays the feeling of being suffocated by the environment and the lack of space to grow. The walls closing in on the individual is symbolic of the societal pressure that is forcing them into a corner. The second stanza of the song is more of self-reflection; the person acknowledges their lack of learning from past mistakes, and how they always end up at a dead-end, unsure of which path to choose.


The chorus serves as a metaphor for the individual's emotional state, expressing how they are often built up, only to break down again. They seem to be trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, and regrets, unable to break free. The bridge of the song is about the individual's tendency to repeat past mistakes, even if it means falling into traps set by other people or themselves. The overall theme of this song is about the individual's inability to evolve, both emotionally and mentally.


Line by Line Meaning

Ask me what's wrong
I am unable to figure out the exact problem troubling me.


I don't think I know.
I don't possess the clarity of thought to understand what's happening around me.


But the walls are closing in...
The pressure and stress of the situation is mounting, leaving me with no escape.


And I've got no room to grow.
The environment is so restrictive that I am unable to reach my full potential.


Another dead end.
I've encountered failure once again.


I'll never learn.
Despite failing numerous times, I haven't gained the knowledge to avoid mistakes.


Cause I still don't know...
I'm clueless about the right direction and path to follow.


Which way to turn.
I'm unable to make a decision or choose the correct option.


Build me up.
Give me strength and motivation


Watch me break.
Despite being built up, I am still prone to failure and breakdowns.


I should have learned...
I should have improved and gained wisdom from my previous failures.


From past mistakes.
I should have gained knowledge from my past failures and avoided making the same mistakes again.


But set your trap.
Despite knowing that I am vulnerable, I expose myself to danger and tempt fate.


I'll walk right in.
I am self-destructive and incapable of making wise decisions.


This game of fucking up,
My life is a cycle of mistakes and failures.


I'll always win.
I am destined to fail time and again.


The walls are closing in.
My problems and stressors are becoming increasingly overwhelming and suffocating.


The walls are fucking closing in.
My problems and stressors are becoming so intense that I am approaching a breaking point.




Contributed by Parker S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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