In July 2022, Unwound announced reunion shows set for 2023, featuring Jared Warren of Melvins and Big Business on bass, replacing Vern Rumsey who sadly passed away in 2020.
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What Was Wound
Unwound Lyrics
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I already know we're not the same
And you say there's nothing to it there's no harm but you don't want to do it
And you say there's nothing to it it's o.k. but you don't want to do it.
Salt of the earth on an open wound.
Salt of the earth on an open wound.
Cutting in won't seem right
Tear your skin and invite it in
And you say there's nothing to it it's o.k. but you don't want to do it.
Salt of the earth on an open wound.
Salt of the earth on an open wound.
Injury you can't explain
Injure me inflict no pain
And you say why'd i do it and you say you put me to it
Don't you know you put me to it don't know you i said i'd do it.
Salt of the earth on an open wound.
Salt of the earth on an open wound.
The lyrics to Unwound's song "What Was Wound" are complex and open to interpretation. However, one possible interpretation is that the song is about a relationship that has become damaged and one person is trying to avoid the pain of confronting their issues. The lyrics "Damaged ones made to fit a frame, I already know we're not the same" suggest that the relationship was forced and unnatural. The repeated lines "And you say there's nothing to it there's no harm but you don't want to do it" and "It's o.k. but you don't want to do it" imply that one person is in denial and trying to avoid dealing with the relationship problems.
The line "Salt of the earth on an open wound" is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that the pain of the relationship is being exacerbated by the addition of salt. The following lines "Cutting in won't seem right, Tear your skin and invite it in" suggest that trying to address the issues head-on may be difficult and painful, but it's the only way to heal.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics become more aggressive and confrontational. "Injury you can't explain, Injure me inflict no pain" suggests that the pain of the relationship is so intense that it can't be put into words. The repeated lines "And you say why'd I do it, and you say you put me to it, Don't you know you put me to it, don't know you I said I'd do it" are confrontational and imply that the other person is somehow at fault for the pain they are both experiencing.
Overall, "What Was Wound" is a complex and emotional song that explores the pain and difficulty of a damaged relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Damaged ones made to fit a frame
People with past traumas or injuries are forced to conform to societal norms and expectations.
I already know we're not the same
There is a fundamental difference between the singer and the person they are addressing.
And you say there's nothing to it there's no harm but you don't want to do it
The other person claims that their actions have no negative consequences, but in reality they are hesitant to follow through.
And you say there's nothing to it it's o.k. but you don't want to do it.
The other person tries to downplay their actions, insisting that it is harmless, even though they are not fully committed to it.
Salt of the earth on an open wound.
An exacerbation of pain or suffering.
Cutting in won't seem right
The singer is hesitant to get involved due to a sense of wrongdoing.
Tear your skin and invite it in
The other person is encouraging the singer to open up and let their guard down.
Injury you can't explain
A type of emotional pain or trauma that is difficult to articulate.
Injure me inflict no pain
The artist is willing to be hurt emotionally, as long as there is no physical harm involved.
And you say why'd i do it and you say you put me to it
The other person is deflecting responsibility for their actions onto the artist.
Don't you know you put me to it don't know you i said i'd do it.
The singer is admitting to being complicit in the other person's actions, but also acknowledging that they were manipulated into it.
Contributed by Henry D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.