From the Levitate (album) .. 2009.
Invisible features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, dulcimer, vocals, keyboards); Bobby Read (reeds); J.V. Collier (bass); Sonny Emory (drums); J.T. Thomas (organ, keyboards); Doug Derryberry (guitar), Z Berg (vocals).
Invisible meaning
“Invisible” by Bruce Hornsby explores themes of alienation, self-consciousness, and the desire to retreat from a world that can sometimes be hostile and judgmental. The protagonist in the song feels like an outsider, often subjected to the cruelty of others, and as a result, wishes to become “invisible” to escape the pain and embarrassment that come with being singled out or ridiculed. Bruce captures a deep sense of vulnerability and the coping mechanisms people employ to deal with feelings of inadequacy or rejection.
Being an outsider
The lyrics highlight the protagonist’s emotional isolation and the difficulty of navigating a world where they feel different or inadequate. The repeated questions – “What do you do? Where do you go? What do you say? And how do you know?” – suggest a person struggling with how to respond to the unkindness and judgments of others. These questions reflect an uncertainty about how to act when faced with harsh criticism or bullying.
Bruce paints a picture of someone who is on the “other end of someone’s mean streak,” feeling the brunt of other people’s frustrations or meanness. The phrase “thin skin” symbolises the protagonist’s sensitivity to criticism and emotional pain. This person is deeply affected by the way others treat them and feels the need to escape these negative experiences.
Making oneself “invisible”
The concept of becoming invisible is central to the song. It is both a literal and metaphorical way of coping with the overwhelming feelings of shame and self-consciousness. The protagonist’s desire to “make myself invisible” reflects the wish to disappear from situations where they are the target of ridicule or where they feel like a “freak.” Invisibility becomes a form of protection, a way to avoid further hurt.
By repeating the phrase “Yes I will, yes I will,” the protagonist expresses determination to shield themselves from the emotional pain inflicted by others. Invisibility here is not about physical disappearance but rather about mentally withdrawing from the situation, detaching from the cruel words or actions of others.
Dealing with emotional pain and seeking escape
The imagery in the song reflects the intensity of the emotional pain the protagonist experiences. Walking down a hallway “ducking barbs flying” suggests that the insults and negativity come from all directions, as if there is no safe space. The line “Get the feeling ain’t doing nothing but sucking” expresses a deep sense of futility and hopelessness, as though life is filled with more negativity than positive experiences.
The idea of knocking on one’s head becoming “a loud, loud roar” symbolises the overwhelming nature of these painful thoughts. It suggests that the protagonist is trapped in their mind, where the emotional wounds are magnified, and it becomes difficult to escape from the hurt.
Hope for the future
Despite the focus on pain and invisibility, there are moments in the song that suggest the protagonist is looking forward to something better. Lines like “I’m setting myself up for the future” and “Looking for the chance that something good might lie ahead” express a cautious optimism. The protagonist still holds out hope that things will improve, even as they struggle with feelings of inadequacy and rejection.
The mention of “shedding skin” serves as a metaphor for growth and transformation. The protagonist imagines that they can eventually shed the “thin skin” that makes them so vulnerable and move forward into a future where they are stronger and more resilient. This imagery of rebirth or renewal is an important counterbalance to the song’s darker themes, offering a glimmer of hope.
A reflection on vulnerability and resilience
“Invisible” captures the complex emotions of someone who feels like an outsider, struggling with their sensitivity to the harshness of the world. Bruce provides a poignant reflection on how people cope with feelings of inadequacy and rejection by retreating inward and becoming metaphorically invisible. Yet, through the pain, the song also offers hope for growth and the possibility of overcoming these struggles, symbolised by the shedding of thin skin and the search for something better in the future. The song’s exploration of emotional vulnerability and resilience makes it a powerful commentary on the human experience.