Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: goth
Song Meaning of “Solid Eyes” by O. Children
Solid Eyes is a dreamy and serene yet eerie track by post-punk rock band O. Children. The song appears to be about trying to break away from an overwhelming relationship or situation.
In the opening verse, dreamy layers of strings are used to create a feeling of worry and confusion. The lyrics, “My eyes all solidified / And I can’t see too well” hint at this sense of being overwhelmed and not being able to see the way out. The line “Dry my tears yet I still cannot flee” may be a sign of being held back from a way out by the chains of an intense situation or relationship.
The chorus’ lyrics conjure imagery of a person facing an inescapable destiny as they sing, “All these mixed up stars dancing in the night / I’m tangled in their endless flicker”. The stars could represent the visions of what could be, if only they could break away from the forces that confine them. However, while they are stuck, the only thing left is to admire the stars and “guess what they mean”, hinting at there being no definitive answer or solution to their situation.
The song’s second verse continues to express a sense of longing to be free. As the music builds on these solemn themes, the dark and brooding tone is drowned out by a sudden guitar solo, speaking of a strength that needs to be found to escape the situation.
In the bridge, we are reminded of the insurmountable odds of attempting to break away as the vocalist sings, “But I don’t want to pretend / When in truth I’m filled with fear”. Despite the fear, the track ends with a sense of resolve as the band cries out, “I know who I am”, as if the protagonist has the strength to finally make their escape and take back ownership of their life.
Overall, Solid Eyes is a melancholic yet ultimately hopeful track about finding the strength to break away from an oppressive situation. The track speaks of realising the fear that comes with the prospect of taking on such a task, yet still armed with the courage “to know who they are”.