not today
The Pockets Lyrics

The lyrics of The Pockets' song "Not Today" tell a story of a family facing tragedy and loss. The opening lines suggest that there was a hero in the past, someone who was admired and respected, but that person is no longer seen as such in the present. The next lines introduce a sense of danger and uncertainty, with the mention of testing outlets with wet hands, which is highly unsafe and can cause harm. This metaphorically represents the risky and unpredictable nature of life.

The lyrics then shift to a dark imagery where horror film collections are juxtaposed with family portraits, creating a sense of turmoil within the family. The singer's father is described as scary, and their mother tells them that he will never die, suggesting a toxic and abusive relationship. However, the singer's indifference towards their father's well-being is evident as they state that they no longer care because he doesn't care either.

The second verse introduces more tragedies within the family. The mention of reuniting in the emergency room or courtroom indicates that the family is dealing with serious incidents, perhaps involving accidents or legal issues. The mention of the singer's brother dying twice suggests that he had a brush with death, with his heart stopping and then going into a coma-like state. The mother now swears she won't let him die, emphasizing her determination to protect her children.

The chorus repeats the sentiment that the singer no longer cares because those around them don't seem to care either. There is a sense of resignation and detachment from the events happening within the family. The last line of the chorus, "Cus he doesn't care," may refer to the father, brother, or both, emphasizing the lack of empathy or concern in the family dynamic.

The final lines of the song touch upon the idea that everyone has their own motives and sometimes fail to understand the consequences of their actions. The singer, however, remains unconcerned and unknown, suggesting a detachment from the chaos surrounding them. The repetition of "yesterday a hero, but not today no" throughout the song highlights the disillusionment and loss of faith in the people and circumstances that were once seen as heroic or positive.

Overall, "Not Today" depicts a family grappling with tragedy, abuse, and a sense of emotional detachment. It explores themes of indifference, loss, and the fragmented dynamics within a family unit.