Wood Panel Prince
Stay Outside Lyrics

The lyrics to "Wood Panel Prince" by Stay Outside touch on themes of self-deception, longing, and the fear of insignificance. The singer of the song is confronted by someone who asks if they are aware of the "doomer wave," a term that likely refers to a sense of melancholy or existential dread prevalent in contemporary culture. Feeling caught off guard, the singer tries to hide their vulnerability by conjuring up a lie, represented by the reference to "cowboy coffee dripping off" their face. This suggests a facade of toughness or aloofness that they put on to mask their true feelings.

The song explores the notion of losing magic and how it fades away over time, leaving only memories of the past. The mention of peace being dangled in front of their face like an unreachable carrot symbolizes missed opportunities or desires that couldn't be fulfilled. This sense of longing is further exemplified by the repetition of the line "Maybe I should wait," indicating the singer's hesitation and uncertainty about taking action.

The lyrics also introduce another character, described as the "wood panel prince," who embodies a certain level of confidence and swagger. This character, while seemingly unmotivated to change or quit their current lifestyle, is faced with the idea of reinvesting and reevaluating their choices. The singer, observing this, may be contemplating their own need for reevaluation and the potential consequences of remaining stagnant.

The song concludes by reflecting on the fear of nonexistence and the importance of self-reflection. The line "If it ain't broke, then it doesn't need a fix" suggests a fear of facing one's flaws or confronting personal growth, yet simultaneously acknowledging the need for reassessment. The singer expresses their own terror at the thought that one day they may no longer exist, emphasizing the desire to find meaning or purpose in their life.

Overall, "Wood Panel Prince" delves into the complexities of self-deception, longing, and the fear of insignificance. It explores the tension between remaining in a comfortable yet unfulfilling state and the uncertainty of taking action to find personal growth and meaning.