Farrelly employs genuine and emotional lyrics within his song that discuss injustice throughout the world. The lyrics are brief stories describing how human beings react when either witnessing or feeling injustice. The song describes what occurs within us when we see what is unjust and how it turns into strength enough to go and do something about it.

The song tells us at the opening that there is a woman who is watching a man who is hungry and barefoot. She wants to help him by giving him her lunch. This is an act of kindness and empathy. The song tells us, however, that all those around her do not see things the same way. Her parents, for example, are blind to the suffering of the man. This is not a description of blindness, however, so much as people looking away from misery. Farrelly is showing us, then, how hard it is to do right when others are not supporting or even understanding it.

The song is a song of “human indignation”—strong feelings of anger when things are not fair. Farrelly repeats this term over and over so that we can feel the sense of urgency. The song is teaching us that if you let it, this feeling will “eat you up” or “burn you up” inside. They are simple pictures that describe just how deep that kind of anger is. It’s not a matter of being angered—it’s a matter of being hurt by people being hurt, and wanting things to be otherwise.

Subsequently, there is a continuation of being rejected by the woman. She is informed that she does not belong. This is a form of injustice, which sees people being rejected because of what makes them who they are. Farrelly uses this opportunity to show how hurt and anger are turned into strength. Instead of quitting, she decides to fight for what is rightfully hers. These are acts of bravery, and a desire to fight back when you are being treated badly.

Farrelly is more precise about our world within the bridge. The lyrics inform us that we are living within a world of harsh systems and caring actions clashing. It is a world where people do try to care, yet are typically confronted with walls. This is what the artist explains about people’s actions, for better or worse, all contributing toward a greater picture—”humanity’s tapestry” is his expression. This section of the song illustrates that outrage, or being intensely frustrated, is what makes people stand together for change. When a person does care enough to act, it is what inspires others.

The last verse of the song sees the repetition of the use of the word “human indignation.” This is what gives us that feeling of a vocal shout, a call for something greater. Farrelly is making us experience that we are not alone with our indignation. He is asking us to feel that it is a virtuous feeling. 

“Indignation” is not just a song, it’s a message. Farrelly speaks of real world issues using simple, direct language. He reminds us, if something is not fair, it is no sin to be indignant—that it is a spark of fire which will urge us into doing what is right. The song allows us to understand that it are the smallest acts of kindness that matter, but standing up for what is right is even more important.