Exercising With My Demons

Mac DeMarco's 'Exercising With My Demons' delves into the complex and often painful process of confronting one's inner struggles. The song opens with the artist looking into a mirror, a powerful metaphor for self-reflection. The mirror reveals regret and unresolved issues, symbolizing the internal battles that DeMarco faces. The line 'The thoughts that I won't sell' suggests that these are deeply personal and perhaps shameful thoughts that he keeps hidden from the world. His 'head buried deep in the ground' indicates a desire to escape or avoid these painful realities.

The song also explores the impact of these inner demons on DeMarco's relationships. He mentions a woman who thinks he is in love, but he admits that he can barely see past his own issues. This line poignantly captures the idea that one cannot fully engage in a relationship when they are consumed by their own problems. The repetition of 'There's no use trying love when I can barely see' underscores the futility he feels in attempting to connect with others while he is still grappling with his own emotional turmoil.

In the latter part of the song, DeMarco expresses a sense of numbness and detachment. He refuses to let himself cry or feel, indicating a coping mechanism to deal with his pain. The line 'Thought it was me at the wheel' suggests a loss of control, as if he once believed he was in charge of his life but now realizes that his demons are steering the course. This sense of helplessness and resignation adds a layer of melancholy to the song, making it a poignant exploration of the struggle to confront and overcome one's inner demons.