“Freaks” is a song by the American surf rock band Surf Curse, originally released in 2013 on their album Buds. The song gained significant popularity in 2021, particularly on TikTok, leading to its re-release as a single.
Guitarist Jacob Rubeck described “Freaks” as “a pretty depressing song, but there are a lot of depressed people out there, and people who feel alienated”. The lyrics delve into themes of alienation, mental health struggles, and the desire for escape.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Freaks” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Don’t kill me, just help me run away
From everyone, I need a place to stay
Where I can cover up my face
Don’t cry
, I am just a freak
The opening lines express a desire to escape from society and find a safe haven. The speaker feels overwhelmed and wants to hide from others, suggesting social anxiety or a sense of not fitting in. The line “Don’t cry, I am just a freak” indicates self-awareness of being different and attempts to reassure others (or perhaps themselves) that it’s okay.
[Chorus]
I am just a freak
I am just a freak
I am just a freak
The repetition of “I am just a freak” emphasizes the speaker’s feelings of being an outsider or misfit. This could be interpreted as both self-deprecation and a form of self-acceptance.
[Verse 2]
My head is filled with parasites
Black holes
cover up my eyes
I dream of you almost every night
Hopefully, I won’t wake up this time
This verse uses vivid imagery to describe the speaker’s mental state. “Parasites” in the head likely represent intrusive thoughts or anxiety. The “black holes” covering the eyes suggest a dark, depressive outlook on life. The final lines reveal that the speaker finds solace in dreams, possibly about a loved one, and wishes to remain in this dream state rather than face reality.
[Chorus]
I won’t wake up this time
I won’t wake up this time
I won’t wake up this time
The repetition of “I won’t wake up this time” reinforces the desire to escape reality, possibly hinting at suicidal thoughts or simply a strong wish to remain in the comforting dream world.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Freaks”
“Freaks” by Surf Curse is a song that delves into themes of alienation, depression, and the desire for escape. The track, originally released in 2013, gained widespread popularity in 2021 through social media platforms like TikTok.
At its core, the song explores the feeling of being an outsider or “freak” in society. The lyrics paint a picture of someone struggling with their mental health, using vivid imagery such as “My head is filled with parasites” to describe intrusive thoughts or negative emotions. This metaphor effectively conveys the overwhelming nature of depression and anxiety that can consume one’s mind.
The song also touches on the concept of dreams as a safe haven. The narrator mentions dreaming of someone “almost every night,” suggesting that their dreams provide an escape from the harsh realities of their waking life. This idea is further reinforced by the line “Hopefully, I won’t wake up this time,” which could be interpreted as a desire to remain in the dream world where they feel accepted and understood.
The recurring phrase “I am just a freak” serves as both a self-deprecating statement and a declaration of identity. It reflects the internal struggle of someone who feels different from others, yet is trying to come to terms with their perceived otherness. This resonates strongly with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of isolation or not fitting in.
Ultimately, “Freaks” captures the universal human experience of feeling misunderstood and the longing for connection. Its raw emotion and relatable themes have contributed to its enduring popularity, particularly among younger audiences who find solace in its honest portrayal of mental health struggles and the search for belonging.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.