These barbed lyrics delivered with a rush of blood are what Lewis was known for in Staind; his songs swirled up the sludge of his psyche and revealed it to fans. Lewis is far more tormented in his songs than he is in real life; by the time “Outside” was released, he was married and well past his darkest times.
(as an aside, i always feel like from “here on in” should be one word “hereonin” but then it looks very weird so i guess it isn’t. Not going to google or owt)