What is the meaning behind “Half a mind that keeps the other second guessing”? Not Strong Enough by boygenius
- by imrk
- March 08, 2023
This line plays with the idiom “half a mind to x, (the other to y)” . “The other” serves two purposes. First, it alludes to this idiom. Upon that idiom not making sense, it becomes clear that this whole line is just the first clause in that idiom. The first clause (“half a mind to keep the other second guessing”), leaves you waiting to be told what the second half of the mind is doing. However, it also answers that questions that the other half of the mind is “second guessing”. This creates the sense of the mind literally and figuratively (and semantically) warring with itself, which is typically how OCD is depicted and what this verse and chorus alludes to.