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boygenius’ “Not Strong Enough” Lyrics Meaning

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boygenius – Not Strong Enough Lyrics Meaning

“Not Strong Enough”, written by Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus & Julien Baker, is a song released on the 1st of March 2023. Boygenius’ debut album, “The Record,” features the track “Not Strong Enough.” This song serves as the fourth single and appears as the sixth track on the album. The meaning of the song “Not Strong Enough” lyrics by boygenius is identity, insecurity, and self-awareness amidst societal expectations. These lyrics present a complex and introspective exploration of the speaker’s inner world.

Embedded below is the Official Music Video of the song from YouTube. Read the rest of the article while the music plays in the background. The complete lyrics of the song “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius are at the end of this article.

What “Not Strong Enough” Lyrics by boygenius Are About?

The song “Not Strong Enough” lyrics by boygenius explore themes of insecurity, vulnerability, and self-doubt. Here, every bandmate reflects on their own identity and struggles to reconcile their limitations and perceived shortcomings. Also, these lyrics suggest a tension between societal expectations as well as cultural ideals and the speaker’s own sense of self. The band engages in risky behavior, experiences anxiety and uncertainty, and grapples with existential questions.

In the lyrics, the repetition of the phrase “Always an angel, never a god” suggests a sense of self-awareness and acceptance of personal limitations. The line-by-line analysis of the meaning of the lyrics behind the song “on the street” by boygenius:

“Not Strong Enough” lyrics by boygenius explore identity, insecurity, and self-awareness, with a tension between societal expectations and personal understanding.

[Verse 1: Phoebe Bridgers]: Conveying a Sense of Disorientation and Unease

Black hole opened in the kitchen
Every clock’s a different time
It would only take the energy to fix it
I don’t know why I am

Verse 1 of “Not Strong Enough” Lyrics by boygenius

The first verse of “Not Strong Enough” lyrics by boygenius paint a picture of Phoebe Bridgers who feels lost or disconnected. Phoebe recognizes that she has the power to change her situation. The metaphor of the black hole and the jumbled clocks create a sense of disorientation and chaos. But the final line suggests that there is a way out if she can figure out what’s driving her feelings.

The first line, “Black hole opened in the kitchen,” is a metaphorical way of saying that something has gone wrong or something is missing. It suggests that there is a void or a sense of emptiness in the kitchen. This is interpreted as a broader commentary on her life and emotions.

“Every clock’s a different time,” further emphasizes the idea of disorder and confusion. The fact that every clock in the kitchen is set to a different time suggests that there is a lack of consistency and order in her life.

The third line, “It would only take the energy to fix it,” suggests that the problem is not insurmountable. Phoebe says that she has the power to fix the situation. But for some reason, she hasn’t done so yet.

“I don’t know why I am” means that Phoebe is unsure of their own motivations or emotions. She feels stuck and uncertain about what to do next. Or she struggles to understand why she feels the way she does.

[Chorus: Bridgers, Bridgers & Baker]: A Sense of Vulnerability and Insecurity

The way I am
Not strong enough to be your man
I tried, I can’t
Stop staring at the ceiling fan and
Spinning out about things that haven’t happened
Breathing in and out

Chorus of “Not Strong Enough” Lyrics by boygenius

In the chorus of “Not Strong Enough” lyrics, boygenius suggests a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt. The singers say they are not strong enough to be the kind of man that their partner wants and needs them to be. This refers to a number of qualities or traits, such as emotional resilience, maturity, or commitment.

The second line, “I tried, I can’t,” means boygenius makes an effort to change and improve themselves but they have not succeeded. Every girl in the band feels helpless and frustrated in the face of her perceived shortcomings.

“Stop staring at the ceiling fan and / Spinning out about things that haven’t happened,” means the bandmates are caught up in their own thoughts and worries. Such feelings are unfounded and exaggerated. The band is unable to focus on the present moment and enjoy the relationship. This is because the bandmates are preoccupied with hypothetical scenarios and worst-case scenarios.

The final line, “Breathing in and out,” means boygenius tries to stay calm and centered despite the bandmates’ anxiety and uncertainty. They use breathing exercises and other mindfulness techniques to cope with their emotions.

[Verse 2: Baker]: Themes of Masculinity and Identity

Drag racing through the canyon
Singing “Boys Don’t Cry”
Do you see us getting scraped up off the pavement?
I don’t know why I am

Verse 2 of “Not Strong Enough” Lyrics by boygenius

The second verse of “Not Strong Enough” lyrics by boygenius suggests the dangerous and reckless behavior of Baker. Here, Baker is “drag racing through the canyon.” The song she sings, “Boys Don’t Cry,” is an iconic tune by The Cure which explores themes of emotional repression and societal expectations of masculinity.

“Do you see us getting scraped up off the pavement?” suggests a sense of risk and danger. Baker acknowledges the potential consequences of her behavior. This includes injury and death. However, she seems to be dismissive of these risks. This is because she feels invincible and she seeks a thrill.

The final line, “I don’t know why I am,” suggests a sense of confusion or lack of self-awareness. Baker questions her own motivations and actions. She wonders why she engages in this dangerous behavior despite the potential risks. Alternatively, she expresses a sense of existential uncertainty. She questions her place in the world and what drives her.

[Bridge: Dacus, Dacus & BridgersAll]: A Sense of Self-Awareness and Introspection

Always an angel, never a god
Always an angеl, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god

Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god

Bridge of “Not Strong Enough” Lyrics by boygenius

In the bridge of “Not Strong Enough” lyrics by boygenius consists of a repeated phrase, “Always an angel, never a god.” The repetition of this phrase suggests an emphasis on its meaning and significance. Here, the use of “always” suggests a sense of permanence or inevitability, while “never” suggests a sense of lack or absence.

The contrast between “angel” and “god” is interpreted in a number of ways. “Angel” is associated with purity, goodness, and protection, while “god” is associated with power, authority, and creation. This repeated phrase suggests that the band sees itself as inherently limited and flawed. Due to this, they are unable to achieve the status of a deity and supreme being.

Alternatively, the repeated phrase is interpreted as a comment on societal expectations and cultural ideals. The singers feel pressure to live up to certain standards or norms. But they are unable and unwilling to do so. The phrase “always an angel, never a god” is a rejection of these societal expectations, a statement of defiance and self-acceptance.

The Complete Lyrics of “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius

Here are the complete lyrics of “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius via Genius:

Black hole opened in the kitchen
Every clock’s a different time
It would only take the energy to fix it
I don’t know why I am

The way I am
Not strong enough to be your man
I tried, I can’t
Stop staring at the ceiling fan and
Spinning out about things that haven’t happened
Breathing in and out

Drag racing through the canyon
Singing “Boys Don’t Cry”
Do you see us getting scraped up off the pavement?
I don’t know why I am

The way I am
Not strong enough to be your man
I lied, I am
Just lowering your expectations
Half a mind that keeps the other second guessing
Close my eyеs and count

Always an angel, never a god
Always an angеl, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god

Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god

I don’t know why I am the way I am
There’s something in the static
I think I’ve been having revelations
Coming to in the front seat, nearly empty
Skip the exit to our old street and go home
Go home alone

The Complete Lyrics of “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius

Conclusion of boygenius’s “Not Strong Enough” Lyrics Meaning

In conclusion, “Not Strong Enough” lyrics by boygenius explore identity, insecurity, vulnerability, and risk-taking behavior. Each set of lyrics presents a unique perspective on these themes, with its own nuances and interpretations. However, a common thread that runs through many of the lyrics is a sense of self-awareness and introspection. The singers reflect on their own emotions, motivations, and actions.

The bandmates struggle to understand themselves or their place in the world. Also, the lyrics suggest a tension between societal expectations as well as cultural ideals and the band’s own sense of self. Whether through reckless behavior, feelings of inadequacy, or a sense of existential uncertainty, the singers grapple with their own identities. They strive to find a sense of acceptance and peace.

Being like, ‘I’m not strong enough to show up for you. I can’t be the partner that you want me to be.’ But also being like, ‘I’m too fucked up. I’m unknowable in some deep way!’ Self-hatred is a god complex sometimes, where you think you’re the most fucked-up person who’s ever lived. Straight up, you’re not. And it can make people behave really selfishly, and I love each of our interpretations of that concept.

Phoebe Bridgers from boygenius via Rolling Stone

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