Behind the Lyrics: The Used - "Greener with the Scenery"

Photo Credit: Hunter Garrett

When someone mentions the band The Used to me, I remember sitting on the edge of my bed, my shiny red stereo vibrating with the sounds of their mournful, heartfelt lyrics. All the raw emotion at first was a bit eerie, but as my music major cousin sat beside me, eyes alight and explaining the poetry and importance of all emotions being represented in music, I began to hear the beauty within the pain. 

The Used has been putting their art into the world for 25 years now, and AltRevue is here to appreciate all their effort. I took to the internet to find a fan favorite for this piece, and many folks agreed, "Greener with the Scenery" spoke to them. 

Some folks shared that it was related to a break up for them. Some argued it was a metaphor for how you can love life and hate life. Almost everyone agreed that the "Circles" lyrics stirred feelings in them. 

Let's delve behind the lyrics and see why these words could cause so much emotion and healing. 

"Greener with the Scenery" -- The Used 

"You took it back

How could you go and do something like that

My fingernail phase

Worst has got the best of you

I ask you and I know I need to change, change

You took it back

You ripped my heart out of my, then you put it back

I'm pulling my hair

I let you just a million times

I love you even though it isn't fair

Round we go, 'round again, circles

Play this game over again

Round we go, 'round again, circles

You took it back

You ripped my heart out of my, then you put it back

I'm pulling my hair

I let you just a million times

I love you even though it isn't fair

Round we go, 'round again, circles

Play this game over again

Round we go, 'round again, circles

You took it back

You took it back

Round we go, 'round again, circles

Play this game over again

Round we go, 'round again, circles, circles

Round we go, 'round again, circles

Play this game over again (play)

Round we go, 'round again, circles, circles"

According to research provided in Artefact, all music has been scientifically proven to be therapeutic. This is because the lyrics in songs and the emotion being displayed and shared remind us that we are not alone. Humans are built for community, and so when we find music artists that do not shy away from their emotions and traumas, we too can begin to learn to live and embrace all of who we are. 

For example, the famous line "Round we go, 'round again, circles, circles" filled with pain and rage is authentic. It makes sense that so many people, as noted above, relate to the lyrics. They feel seen, heard, and validated on whatever path life has them on, and The Used's lyrics is giving them that solace. 

What lyrics can you write to do the same for others? Until next time.