Throughout the song the listeners/readers get a sense of uncertainty as not a single line until the second verse says anything definitive about what he thinks, only what he feels. “SoCal is where my mind states, but it’s not my state of mind” is a reference to New York State of Mind only with Southern California, where it is highly populated, and from where Eve 6 originated (Collins). This is the first statement the speaker makes in the song that doesn’t have to do with how he feels. However, this effect is minimized two lines later with the word ‘or’ in “Or am I origami, folded up and just pretend, demented as the motives in your head (Collins)?” Even the music video supports this interpretation, as shots flickering between the speaker (who is being rained on) and a small manipulative, smile on a woman’s face suggest that she is using him (Eve 6 music video).
The bridge brings even more certainty as it reveals the instability (most likely mental) of the speaker’s partner as well as his own insecurity with himself, but his realization of such in the song indicates that he’s not too far gone. He realizes what he’s in is poisonous, and knows what even his significant other doesn’t: “you don’t know you need me (Collins).” This line also indicates that he’s hesitant to leave because he feels as though he’s abandoning his troubled partner. Even so, he acknowledges that he’s empty but he feels more decisive. This is paralleled by the last time that the chorus pops up with a very important change, saying “now I’m through with you” instead of saying “then I’m through with you (Collins).”
Again, the song seems somewhat straightforward by the setup of the words, the fact that the singer is male, and the musical decisions (such as practically screaming “through with you” towards the end of the song). However, this falls under the assumption that the speaker is referring to his significant other. If the same analysis applies to other speakers, like a patch, the perception changes entirely. For example, if the speaker says “now I’m through with you” he could be speaking to himself, and could wish to commit suicide or get rid of a deep personal problem. This makes it seem as if there are two of the speaker if he’s referring to a part of himself as “you.” Part of the versatility of Inside Out’s interpretation is that there is no indication of the speaker’s gender (save for the singer’s voice, but as a poem, no indication is given), nor of the gender of the being to whom he is speaking. The speaker could be referring to a person of any gender, himself, or something else entirely.
Having flipped this song Inside Out, it’s safe to say that you, reader, have found more than ‘faith in nothing.’ Rather, we’ve found faith in the tradition of hermeneutics and the trends that are evident in the song, but there’s yet more to find. It’s all up to you, if and when you give this song a read, or a listen if you dare. You decide, and see which interpretation you get just from reading it or hearing it.
Now I’m through with you.
By: Cassandra Valdivia