Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: hardcore
Song Meaning of “Yellow Belly” by Thrice
The lyrics of “Yellow Belly” by Thrice paint a picture of a person facing inner turmoil and trying to convince themselves that their cowardly nature doesn’t prevent them from having courage in order to do what’s right.
The opening lines of the song describe how fear has gripped them and pushed them to the point where they rarely take any significant risks, instead preferring to meander through life: “Sell out my soul every day, taking something, not giving back”. This reflects how they are stuck in a state of inaction, feeling hollow and exhausted by their fears.
The following lines express the inner conflict this person is facing, as though they are battling between their “lover and fighter side”: “Try to be brave everyday, but it’s hard to find the will when feeling so yellow-bellied”. The tension between these two sides of themselves serves as a reminder of how desperately they want to follow their heart and fight for what’s right, but can’t bring themselves to do so because of their fears.
The chorus reiterates this inner turmoil, with the main character asking if they can ever break out and find the strength to be brave: “Can I be brave enough, or have I sold myself too much?” This reflects the difficulties of overcoming their internal doubts and pushing through their fears in order to do the right thing.
The song ends with the protagonist reflecting on their choice to remain in their comfort zone despite their fears and concerns: “Sitting in my comfort zone, paralysed by what I know”. This reveals how they have succumbed to their inner battles and kept their cowardice hidden rather than facing up to their responsibility.
Overall, “Yellow Belly” by Thrice is a powerful song about the inner turmoil of struggling to break out of a cycle of fear and become brave enough to take risks. It is a reminder of how our inner doubts can prevent us from doing the right thing, and instead we must find the strength to be brave and take a stand.