“The River” speaks of sin, baptism and a repentant prodigal (“I want to be delivered/I’ve done a lot of things wrong, but I swear I’m a believer”). Empathy and compassion rule as the band encourages a hurting soul to “March On.” The singer asks his parents for a do-over, a return to happier, more innocent days “before [his] heart grew cold” (“A Beautiful Place”). He puts heartache in perspective on “Dance Floor Anthem” (“Everyone has got to do it sometime/It’s OK, let it go”). “Something Else” suggests that people from vastly different backgrounds can still share love, and that contentment is the true, somewhat elusive prize. “Victim of Love” points out that attitudes and behavior have consequences (“You play with fire, it’s gonna burn you”). The guys tell men not to be clingy, but …
Relationship tips on “Break Apart Her Heart” include learning to hurt others. The singer describes his dark side in a world that’s “All Black” (“Look at my clothes, all black … I go to a funeral if I’m invited any day of the week”), then approaches a girl who shares his gothic inclinations. Elsewhere, he wallows in “Misery” (“Misery’s my company … keep your sadness alive”) and brags about carrying a knife and brass knuckles (the threatening “Keep Your Hands Off My Girl”).
Good Charlotte seems to be on a journey. Self-defeating attitudes creep in, but other songs see emptiness for what it is and long for something more.
