Running With Scissors

Cavetown's "Running With Scissors" delves into the cyclical nature of life and the desire to escape from its repetitive patterns. The song opens with the metaphor of life as a circle, suggesting an endless loop where events and experiences recur. This imagery of a "line with a bend" highlights the inevitability of life's cycles, where intersections and spirals symbolize moments of convergence and confusion. The repeated desire to "forget everything" underscores a yearning to break free from these cycles and the burdens they carry.

The lyrics also explore themes of identity and inheritance, as seen in the lines "You look like your father, baby face / You sound like your mother, how cliche." This reflects the idea that individuals are shaped by their familial and societal influences, often leading to a sense of being a "copy" or living in "drag." The song suggests that people are trapped in roles and expectations passed down through generations, which can feel stifling and lead to a desire for individuality and authenticity.

The phrase "running with scissors" serves as a metaphor for living recklessly or taking risks, despite the potential for harm. It captures the tension between the desire to break free from constraints and the fear of the consequences. The song's introspective tone invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, questioning the patterns they follow and the identities they assume. Cavetown's gentle yet poignant style encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities of self-discovery and the struggle to find one's place in an ever-repeating world.