Nothing

Millencolin's song "Nothing" delves into the themes of emptiness, disillusionment, and the search for meaning. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a king who, despite his power and status, feels isolated and unfulfilled. The imagery of the king on the throne, troubled and sad, suggests that material success and authority do not necessarily equate to happiness. The repeated questioning of whether it was all worth more than nothing underscores the existential crisis faced by the ruler, who finds himself burdened by the crown rather than liberated by it.

The song also explores the idea of escapism through substances, as seen in the lines about drinking and popping pills to achieve a fleeting sense of perfection and freedom. This temporary escape from reality is portrayed as a way to avoid confronting deeper emotional issues, with the refrain "It is probably nothing" minimizing the significance of these feelings. The lyrics suggest that this avoidance only leads to further emptiness, as the protagonist continues to drift away from genuine fulfillment and self-awareness.

In a poignant twist, the song shifts to a more personal reflection, where the narrator reveals a dream of making a meaningful change in the universe through music. However, this dream, like many others, ultimately amounts to nothing. The song concludes with a sense of unresolved sadness and confusion, as the narrator grapples with the emotional impact of the music and the elusive nature of true understanding. The juxtaposition of melancholy and the desire to smile and cry simultaneously captures the complex and often contradictory emotions that define the human experience.