The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
Deciding to get a tattoo is a grand decision, especially if it’s your first. You have to think about the placement, the size, and most importantly, what it will say or look like. This recent spring break, I spontaneously got my first tattoo. The main thing on my mind going into it wasn’t worrying about the pain of the needle, or if it would somehow get messed up; it was the feeling of knowing that this tattoo was a statement. It wasn’t just ink on my body – it was confidence that nobody could take away from me.
What may look like no more than nine words on my forearm to a complete stranger, was actually a very meaningful quote to me.
“There’s no greater vengeance than learning to enjoy again”
These introductory lyrics to Pierce the Veil’s song Emergency Contact convey a message that I think many people can learn from. Being wronged by somebody no matter the situation is hurtful and can cause damage in numerous ways. Depending on the person, being able to move on from what happened to themselves may be difficult. This lyric from Emergency Contact suggests a more positive outlook when it comes to dealing with said situations.
Instead of feeling bitter and stuck based on what somebody has done to you, perhaps it’s better to seek revenge in healing. Although a difficult concept to wrap one’s head around, it can be a healthy way to cope with things we deem as wrongdoings. The most impressive thing the human mind can do is finding joy despite tough times and I think this lyric proves that the only thing more powerful than hate is love.
Regarding my personal experience, the quote serves not only as a reminder to not waste my energy being angry, but also as a symbol of what I have lived through and been able to move on from. Nobody likes to be left in the dark by someone they have cared a lot for, whether that care is something of the past or very much still present. Closure is one of those things that humans naturally desire because it offers reassurance regarding circumstances we haven’t felt “OK with beforehand. But alas, we don’t all get the closure we deserve.
So, what else is there to do in that situation? You have lots of options, but the way I like to look at it is that you can either drown in your longing for answers, or you can swim. I chose to swim. Moving on is one of the hardest things the brain will have to encounter, but there comes a time where you have to choose whether you want to dwell on the past, or use the past as motivation for becoming your better self.
When choosing my first tattoo, I considered many different inspirations that relate to my interests, but, in the end, I knew that the song lyric was going to be tattooed on me within the next few hours. I had just entered the tattoo shop without an idea in mind, until I remembered listening to Emergency Contact for the first time. I’m not much of a believer in fate, but there was something inside of me telling me that this tattoo was the perfect decision. Sure it looks cool, but it also drives me to remember what is important and life and reminds me of values I hold true to my heart.
Tattoo’s are an artform that not only look cool at surface level, but are mediums encompassing a wide range of emotions we feel. There’s a reason for every part of the process for getting a tattoo. I wanted a song lyric that reflected what I have worked through and I wanted it to be visible to other people. It’s a symbol that what I’ve experienced wasn’t for nothing, as well as a talking piece between me and other people. That’s the beauty in art, it can be used in a variety of ways.
Art can mean different things to different people and I think it’s important for each individual to decide what art means to them. To me, it means being able to express yourself beyond just an image or words. The story behind each piece of artwork depends on the value you place upon it, and to me, tattooing the lyrics was far more powerful than just listening to the song.
If you are thinking of getting your first tattoo, or maybe another tattoo in addition to the ones you have currently, I encourage you to think about the story behind what it is you want to get tattooed. The color, placement, size, and imagery all contribute to the meaning as a whole, and I think each factor showcases why expression of one’s self through art is one of the most beautiful gifts to this world.