The Juliana Theory was an indie, alternative rock, and post-hardcore quinte… Read Full Bio ↴The Juliana Theory was an indie, alternative rock, and post-hardcore quintet from Pennsylvania formed in 1997 by Brett Detar, formerly of Zao. and Chad Alan. The band released its first two albums, "Understand This Is A Dream" (1999) and "Emotion Is Dead" (2000), as well as the "Music from Another Room EP" (2001) on Tooth and Nail Records. In 2002, the band signed to Epic Records and released the acclaimed cd "Love" (2003). When not in the studio, the band was always on the road, criss-crossing the US/Canada over a dozen times and touring Europe and Australia. In late 2005, they released their final album "Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat" before disbanding in February of 2006. They then released "A Small Noise" (2006). The band believed that their swan song - Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat was their best written and best performed record.

• Brett Detar - vocals, guitars
• Chad Alan - bass, backing vocals
• Joshua Fiedler - guitars
• Joshua Kosker - guitars, backing vocals
• Josh Walters - drums

Shell of a Man
The Juliana Theory Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I won't nurture, and feed this bitterness
It's worth it, seen any of this
Love and forgiveness
Our time is and true
I know you're full of fear
I hope I'm never like you

I won't nurture, and feed this hate

It's empty and doesn't change a thing
Love will endure when it comes to the end
I see you're insecure
I know there's hope for you

Why can't I let go?
I'm only the shell of a man
I'm lost in myself
And afraid of who I really am
The shell of a man

I won't nurture, and feed hostility
It's pointless to dwell on my anger
Love is the answer innate as it seems
I know you're full of hate
I hope I'm never the same

I won't nurture, and feed this hate
Imagine the magnitude of
Love that is giving the chance to prevail
I see you're full of tears
And I can sense you're here

Why can't I let go?
I'm only the shell of a man
I'm lost in myself
And afraid of who I really am
The shell of a man

Take what you want to
Now that you got the chance to
Take it, why don't you?
Now that you got the chance to [x2]

Why can't I let go?
I'm only the shell of a man
I'm lost in myself
And afraid of who I really am
The shell of a man

Why can't I let go?
I'm only the shell of a man
I'm lost in myself

And afraid of who I really am
The shell of a man

Overall Meaning

The Juliana Theory's "Shell of a Man" is about one's struggle to let go of bitterness, hate, and hostility, and realizing that love and forgiveness are the only things that will endure in life. The lyrics suggest that the singer has seen the impact of holding on to such negative emotions and is determined to not let them consume him. The first two stanzas emphasize the importance of love and forgiveness, and how nurturing bitterness and hate is pointless. The singer acknowledges that he sees the insecurities, fears, and hate within others but also expresses his hope to never become like them.

The chorus of the song repeats the same line, "Why can't I let go? I'm only the shell of a man. I'm lost in myself, and afraid of who I really am." This suggests that the singer is struggling to let go of his own bitterness, hate, and hostility, and realizing that he is not living up to his ideals. He feels lost in himself and afraid of his true self, which is a common feeling for people who struggle with self-forgiveness and self-love. The final stanza of the song suggests that the only way to break through this struggle is to take what you want, take control, and not let negativity consume you.

Overall, "Shell of a Man" is a powerful song that emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness, and the struggle many face in letting go of negativity. It challenges listeners to examine their own emotions and work towards a more positive future.

Line by Line Meaning

I won't nurture, and feed this bitterness
I will not nourish and cultivate negative feelings

It's worth it, seen any of this
It's worthwhile to recognize the value of positivity

Love and forgiveness
Love and forgiveness are essential

Our time is and true
Our time is precious and genuine

I know you're full of fear
I understand that you are fearful

I hope I'm never like you
I hope to never possess your traits

I won't nurture, and feed this hate
I will not cultivate and encourage animosity

It's empty and doesn't change a thing
Hate is pointless and ineffective

Love will endure when it comes to the end
Love will prevail in the end

I see you're insecure
I recognize that you are uncertain

I know there's hope for you
I believe you have potential for positive change