Meaning of Who Pays The Price by INXS

Every now and then, a song comes along that resonates deeply with its listeners. It captures emotions often left unspoken, and it delves into the complexities of the human experience. INXS's "Who Pays The Price" is just one of those songs.At first glance, "Who Pays The Price" appears to be about the struggles and challenges faced by individuals in their daily lives. It speaks to the darkness and despair that can sometimes overtake us, leaving us feeling alone and questioning our existence. But as we dig deeper into the lyrics, we uncover an array of unexpected and imaginative themes that enrich the overall message of the song."Yes, it's dark sometimes when the people are shoving, pushing you into the ground." These lines paint a vivid picture of the pressures and demands that society places upon us. The theme that emerges here is the constant battle between individuality and conformity. It explores the idea that society often shapes us into what it wants, rather than allowing us to be true to ourselves. The "darkness" referred to in the lyrics symbolizes the struggle that arises when we try to resist the pressures around us.Furthermore, the line "It brings you down, it's like a war, who pays the price if you want more" highlights the inherent conflict between personal aspirations and the sacrifices they may require. The theme that surfaces is the concept of ambition and the price we pay for it. The song suggests that the pursuit of our dreams often comes at a cost. It questions who bears that cost and whether the rewards obtained are worth the sacrifices made. This theme tackles the complexity of our desires and the internal battles we face when realizing them.The next set of lyrics delves into "quiet desperation of a million lives." This line explores the idea of concealed struggles and hidden pain that many people go through. It invites us to reflect on the masks we wear and the façades we create. The theme that emerges here is the importance of acknowledging and addressing our own emotional well-being. The song reminds us that even though we may feel alone in our struggles, there are countless others experiencing similar hardships. It urges us to break free from the societal norms that perpetuate this quiet desperation and seek connection and support.As the song progresses, it raises the intriguing theme of the passage of time. The line "As the years go by, will it show on your face or stay hidden behind some door?" reflects upon the way our experiences shape us over time. It poses the question of whether we will allow our life's challenges to manifest on our face, revealing the battles fought, or if we will keep them hidden away. This theme explores the idea that we have the power to decide how our past influences our present and future. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our scars and using them as a source of strength rather than a burden.The next lyric, "Yeah, you made your resolutions with the will of a priest, but you're not so sure anymore," introduces the theme of self-doubt and the constant evolution of our beliefs. It portrays the internal conflict between our past commitments and the doubts that arise as we grow and change. This theme touches upon the idea that we have the capacity to rethink and reevaluate our choices and beliefs. It encourages us to embrace self-reflection and the ability to adapt our perspectives as we gain new wisdom and experiences.In conclusion, INXS's "Who Pays The Price" is a powerful song that delves into the multifaceted aspects of the human experience. It explores themes such as the battle between individuality and conformity, the price of ambition, the importance of acknowledging hidden struggles, the passage of time, and the evolution of our beliefs. These unexpected and imaginative themes enrich the overall message of the song, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives and find solace in the shared experiences of others.