The meaning of A Boy Brushed Up Too Much by Underoath

A Boy Brushed Up Too Much is a song by the American rock band Underoath, released in 2002 on their album They're Only Chasing Safety. The song's lyrics are often interpreted as a reflection of the emotional turmoil that can arise when one becomes overly consumed with personal appearance or material possessions.

The song's protagonist is portrayed as someone who has become so fixated on his physical appearance and social status that he neglects his inner self and relationships with others. The lyrics "A boy brushed up too much, to hide the pain" suggest that this character is attempting to mask their emotional pain by presenting a flawless exterior, but ultimately falls short in doing so.

The song's themes of vanity and superficiality are likely meant to serve as a warning against the dangers of becoming overly preoccupied with one's appearance. The lyrics "A boy with a perfect smile, hiding behind his lies" imply that this character is not only concerned with appearing flawless on the outside but also is struggling to maintain a facade of happiness and confidence.

Musically, A Boy Brushed Up Too Much features a driving rhythm section and atmospheric guitar work, characteristic of Underoath's signature post-hardcore sound. The song has become a fan favorite in their discography and is often cited as one of the standout tracks from They're Only Chasing Safety.

The overall message of the song appears to be that true beauty and self-worth come from within, rather than being superficially defined by external appearances or material possessions. A Boy Brushed Up Too Much serves as a cautionary tale against the pitfalls of vanity and encourages listeners to look beyond surface-level facades and connect with their own emotional truth.