Have You Ever

Photo by Ricky Han on Unsplash

One of my beta readers pointed me to this song “Have You Ever” by The Offspring (Album: Americana, 1998) and I agree that this song fits the story of Sābanto. 

I did some internet research on the meaning of this song, and there are a few different theories on what the song is about. Based on what I was able to find, I think this explanation is most fitting:

It often feels as if the world is a ride we’re trapped on and we have very little control over our lives. What we see and experience leaves us broken, helpless, and alone. We slowly become numb and spiral into depression because we don’t believe we can make a difference, and the world becomes a dark place.
The lyrics “have you ever” ask listeners who relate to these feelings to acknowledge them. We are not alone and many of us feel the same way. If we eliminate crime, however, everyone will be a winner, but if we all walk away, the future of the world remains unknown. At some point, we all need to take a stand and “leave the world as a better place.”

The Offspring is an American rock band from Garden Grove, California, formed in 1984. The Offspring is often credited—alongside fellow California punk bands Green Day and Rancid—for reviving mainstream interest in punk rock in the 1990s. 
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Falling, I'm falling
Falling, I'm falling

Have you ever walked through a room
But it was more like the room passed around you?
Like there was a leash around your neck that pulled you through?
Have you ever been at someplace
Recognizing everybody's face
Until you realized that there was no one there you knew?

Well, I know
Some days, my soul's confined and out of mind
Sleep forever (I know)
Some days, I'm so outshined and out of time
Have you ever

Falling, I'm falling
Falling, I'm falling

Have you ever buried your face in your hands
'Cause no one around you understands
Or has the slightest idea what it is that makes you be?
Have you ever felt like there was more?
Like someone else was keeping score
And what could make you whole was simply out of reach?

Well, I know
Someday, I'll try again and not pretend
This time forever (I know)
Someday, I'll get it straight but not today
Have you ever

Falling, I'm falling
Falling, I'm falling

(Falling) some days, my soul's confined
(I'm falling) and out of mind
Sleep forever
(Falling) some days, my darkest friend
(I'm falling) is me again
Have you ever
Someday, I'll try again and not pretend
This time forever
Someday I'll get it straight but not today
Have you ever

When the truth walks away, everybody stays
'Cause the truth about the world is that crime does pay
So if you walk away, who is gonna stay?
'Cause I'd like to think the world is a better place
When the truth walks away, everybody stays
'Cause the truth about the world is that crime does pay
So if you walk away, who is gonna stay?
'Cause I'd like to make the world be a better place
When the truth walks away, everybody stays
'Cause the truth about the world is that crime does pay
So if you walk away, who is gonna stay?
'Cause I'd like to think the world is a better place
I'd like to leave the world as a better place
I'd like to think the world

Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Offspring