“Through Glass” is a song by American rock band Stone Sour, released as the second single from their album Come What(ever) May in 2006.
Written by lead vocalist Corey Taylor, the song is a poignant reflection on the disconnection and disillusionment that can accompany fame and modern life.
The metaphor of looking “through glass” symbolizes a barrier between the observer and the world, capturing feelings of being unable to connect with what one desires.
Throughout the song, Taylor critiques the artificiality of the music scene, questioning the authenticity of emotions and experiences in a world dominated by image over substance.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Through Glass” Lyrics Meaning
[Chorus]
I’m looking at you through the glass
Don’t know how much time has passed
Oh, God, it feels like forever
But no one ever tells you
That forever feels like home
Sitting all alone inside your head
‘Cause I’m looking at you through the glass
Don’t know how much time has passed
All I know is that it feels like forever
But no one ever tells you
That forever feels like home
Sitting all alone inside your head
The chorus metaphorically describes looking at someone “through the glass,” suggesting a sense of separation or disconnection.
It conveys feelings of isolation, the passage of time, and the idea that being alone with one’s thoughts can feel like an eternity.
The lyrics imply that this solitude, while difficult, can also feel familiar or like “home.”
[Verse 1]
“How do you feel?” That is the question…
But I forget you don’t expect an easy answer
When something like a soul becomes initialized
And folded up like paper dolls and little notes
You can’t expect a bit of hope
So while you’re outside looking in
Describing what you see
Remember what you’re staring at is me
This verse explores the complexity of human emotions and self-expression. It suggests that when asked about feelings, simple answers are inadequate.
The imagery of “soul becomes initialized” and “folded up like paper dolls” implies a loss of individuality or authenticity.
The verse concludes by reminding the listener that despite outward appearances, there’s a real person behind what they see.
[Verse 2]
How much is real? So much to question
An epidemic of the mannequins
Contaminating everything
We thought came from the heart
But never did right from the start
Just listen to the noises
Null and void instead of voices
Before you tell yourself it’s just a different scene
Remember it’s just different from what you’ve seen
The second verse questions reality and authenticity in society. It uses the metaphor of “mannequins” to represent fake or artificial behavior. The lyrics imply that what we often think comes from genuine emotion may actually be insincere.
It encourages listeners to look beyond surface appearances and recognize the difference between authentic experiences and manufactured ones.
[Bridge]
And it’s the stars, the stars
That shine for you
And it’s the stars, the stars
That lie to you, yeah-ah
And it’s the stars, the stars
That shine for you
And it’s the stars, the stars
That lie to you, yeah-ah
This section uses stars as a metaphor, possibly representing hopes, dreams, or ideals.
The repetition of stars both shining and lying suggests a duality – that which inspires us can also deceive us.
This could be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of aspirations or the entertainment industry.
[Outro]
And it’s the stars, the stars
That shine for you, yeah-ah
And it’s the stars, the stars
That lie to you, yeah-ah
And it’s the stars, the stars
That shine for you, yeah-ah
And it’s the stars, the stars
That lie to you, yeah, yeah
Oh, and the stars
Oh, and the stars, they lie
The outro reinforces the song’s overall critique of the entertainment industry or society at large.
It suggests that the things we look up to (metaphorical “stars”) can both inspire us and mislead us.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Through Glass”
“Through Glass” by Stone Sour is a song that expresses frustration and criticism towards the music industry, particularly the commercialization and artificiality of popular music.
Corey Taylor, the lead vocalist, wrote the song after watching music videos on MTV Europe in 2004. He was frustrated by the prevalence of “plastic, bubbly, gossamer-thin groups” that seemed more focused on image than musical content.
The song is a commentary on the superficiality and lack of authenticity in mainstream music. Taylor describes it as “a very angry song” calling out the music industry, especially reality TV music competitions like American Idol.
The “glass” in the song title represents the barrier between authentic artists and the manufactured, commercialized music world. It also symbolizes the disconnect between genuine emotions and the artificial personas presented in the industry.
The lyrics express feelings of isolation and the passage of time, reflecting the experience of being trapped in an inauthentic environment. Lines like “An epidemic of the mannequins contaminating everything” criticize the prevalence of fake, manufactured acts in the music industry.
The recurring theme of stars that “shine for you” but also “lie to you” represents the allure of fame and success in the music industry, which can be both inspiring and deceptive.
Overall, “Through Glass” is a powerful critique of the music industry’s focus on image and commercialism over authentic artistic expression, reflecting Taylor’s disillusionment with the state of popular music at the time.
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