10/10 by Rex Orange County Lyrics Meaning – The Anthemic Ode to Self-Improvement and Resilience

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Rex Orange County's 10/10 at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

I had a think about my oldest friends
Now, I no longer hang with them
And I can’t wait to be home again
I had a year that nearly sent me off the edge
I feel like a five, I can’t pretend
But if I get my shit together this year
Maybe I’ll be a ten

Help myself a little better
‘Cause it’s getting tiring
And I can’t wait for the summer
Now, I’m gonna need a moment

I did it again, I did it again
No control over my emotions
One year on and I still can’t focus
I did it again, yeah, I did it, I did it again
Twelve rounds in, fightin’ solo
But nobody wins when it ends

We’ll be placin’ memories in frames
Invitin’ people ’round to stay
And always owning up to things, to things
‘Cause, after all, I guess it all depends upon
The people you choose and where you’re from
If so, I’ve been so lucky, so far, it’s outrageous
I won’t complain (no)

Give myself a little credit
Since I dealt with all the pain
Yeah, I turned superhero
I’m comin’ in Bruce Wayne

Yeah, I did it again, I did it again (yeah, I did it again)
But this time I took control
And turned my shit ’round
Sometimes you gotta cut a bitch out
I’m livin’ again, yeah, I’m livin’, I’m livin’ again (I, uh-oh, yeah)
Yeah, whoa, yeah

Now, I’m safe and sound where I belong
It took all my strength to carry on
And though it’s still hard work to find the words
I’m still gonna write this fuckin’ song
‘Cause, after all, I guess it all depends upon
The people you choose and where you’re from

Rex Orange County, predominantly known for his bedroom pop anthems that delineate the intricacies of young adulthood, brings to his audience ’10/10′ – a candid ledger of his personal struggles and triumphs over the course of a tumultuous year. The track slices through the facade of perfect lives often portrayed in pop culture, offering instead a raw and relatable chronicle of self-progression.

Unlike his typical laid-back style, ’10/10′ boasts a vibrant and dynamic soundscape that complements the story of growth and self-realization. This song unfastens the handcuffs of self-doubt and sets the stage for a protagonist who is determined to rise above his challenges. Here’s an exploration into the track’s deeper meanings and the memorable lines that resonate with listeners.

The Transformation from a Five to a Ten: A Journey to Self-Betterment

Rex crafts a numerical metaphor at the onset of ’10/10′, where he rates himself a mediocre five out of ten. This self-assessment serves as a reality check, acknowledging a period of life that has left him on the brink. The narrative does not wallow in this mediocrity; instead, it sets the foundation for an aspirational goal – the possibility of becoming a ‘ten’.

The track’s upbeat tempo and confident assertions signal not just hope, but a resolute determination to improve. Orange County’s personal trials are ubiquitous to the human condition, his adaptation, however, lies in the proactive stance he takes, arguably serving as a motivational hymn for all who struggle with their inner critic.

The Significance of Summer and a Moment to Breathe

The mention of ‘summer’ transcends beyond the literal season to symbolize a period of light and ease as opposed to the trials symbolized by different seasons faced. The artist’s longing for this respite illustrates a universal yearning for relief that often comes with cyclical changes, suggesting the possibility of a brighter horizon.

It’s a poignant reminder that, despite the weight of current struggles, there is always an opportunity for rest and rejuvenation ahead. In ’10/10′, this longing isn’t portrayed with passivity, but rather as a deserved break in his fight – a moment’s peace he’s determined to create.

Unraveling the Echo of ‘I Did It Again’ – Patterns of Defeat and Victory

The recurrent phrase ‘I did it again’ threads through the song as both a lament and a battle cry. Initially, it’s an admission of succumbing to overwhelming emotions and repeated mistakes. There’s a sense of entrapment within one’s cycles of behavior which, in many ways, mirrors the human struggle to break free from destructive patterns.

However, the line evolves just as the artist does, shifting into a declaration of taking charge and achieving mastery over those same emotions. The transformation imbued in this phrase reflects the theme of the entire song: personal development isn’t linear, but it is attainable through perseverance and radical self-change.

Decoding the Song’s Hidden Meaning – The Support System You Choose

Beyond self-improvement, ’10/10′ unveils a critical aspect responsible for one’s growth – the influences of peers and environment. Rex’s revelation that the ‘people you choose and where you’re from’ can shape one’s destiny is an ode to the impact of a healthy support system and the favorable circumstances one needs to evolve.

This component of the track is often overshadowed by the more explicit personal development angle, yet it is here that Rex subtly introduces the value of community and roots, positing that without these, the journey to a ‘ten’ could be significantly harder, if not impossible.

Memorable Lines Punctuating Personal Revolution

‘Yeah, I turned superhero / I’m comin’ in Bruce Wayne’ and ‘Sometimes you gotta cut a bitch out’ stand as iconic lines not only for their boldness but for the transformative power they convey. These lines cut through the song’s narrative with a sense of liberation and the assertion of newfound strength.

With these emotionally charged proclamations, Rex affirms the necessity of boundary-setting and self-preservation as mechanisms for growth. It’s in these unapologetic statements that the essence of ’10/10′ pulsates most viscerally – a proclamation that real change comes when one takes the reins, even if it means altering the very fabric of one’s social tapestry.