Nervous Wreck
The Histrionics Lyrics

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It′s okay to lie
So I got on my back
Took a breath of the pollution
And we can

Fuck, so
I know your arm's out to reach
I know you′re only pretending

You've got it all figured out now
But you forget that we're lying

You can give it all
And I′ll take none
And we can just keep pretending

I′ll let you take
All that I don't have
And we can just keep pretending

Inside my white picket fence
I open up my door
Take a breath of the pollution
And we can

Close the door again
I know your arm′s out to reach me
I know you're only pretending
You′ve got it all figured out now
But you forget that we're lying

You can give it all and I′ll take none
And we can just keep pretending
I'll let you take all that I don't have
And we can just keep pretending

I know your arm′s out to reach me
I know you′re only pretending
You've got it all figured out now
But you forget that we′re lying

You can give it all and I'll take none
And we can just keep pretending

I′ll let you take all that I don't have
And we can just keep pretending

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Histrionics's song Nervous Wreck speak to the act of pretending and lying in a relationship. The lines "It's okay to lie" and "we can just keep pretending" suggest that the singer and their partner are aware that they are not being honest with each other. The repeated phrases "I know your arm's out to reach me" and "you're only pretending" further emphasize this sense of facade.

The image of the singer lying down and taking a breath of pollution is a metaphor for accepting the toxicity of the relationship. The repeated line "you've got it all figured out now" suggests that the partner believes they have control over the situation, but the singers remind them that they are both complicit in the charade. The final repetition of "we can just keep pretending" is a resignation to the fact that the relationship is built on lies and pretending.

Overall, the lyrics to Nervous Wreck convey a sense of disillusionment and deception in a relationship. The images of pollution and lying down suggest a submission to the toxic elements of the situation, while the repetition of the phrase "we can just keep pretending" highlights the idea that both partners are aware of the falsehoods they are presenting to each other.

Line by Line Meaning

It's okay to lie
I'm willing to deceive others and myself to avoid the harsh realities of life

So I got on my back
In a vulnerable position, ready to submit to others

Took a breath of the pollution
Accepting and embracing the toxicity of the world around us

And we can
Together, we can indulge in these unhealthy coping mechanisms

Fuck, so
The desperation and desire to escape reality through physical intimacy

I know your arm's out to reach
I am aware that you are trying to reach out to me, but I am not ready to confront the truth

I know you're only pretending
I understand that you are also struggling and pretending to have it all together

You've got it all figured out now
You seem to have a plan and direction in life, but I am lost and uncertain

But you forget that we're lying
We both know that we are not being truthful with ourselves or each other

You can give it all
You can be the strong one and carry the burden for both of us

And I'll take none
I am not capable of contributing, but I am grateful for your support

And we can just keep pretending
Let's continue to live in denial and avoid the difficult truth

I'll let you take all that I don't have
I have nothing to offer, but I am willing to lean on you completely

Inside my white picket fence
The facade of a perfect life, hiding the chaos and struggle within

I open up my door
Inviting someone in to see the truth, but only if they promise to pretend with me

Close the door again
Retreating back into the safety of the illusion

I know your arm's out to reach me
I am still aware that you are trying to help, but I am not ready to face the truth

You can give it all and I'll take none
I am not capable of contributing, but I am grateful for your support