What Was Really Said

Fleshwater's song 'What Was Really Said' delves into the complexities of love, loss, and emotional turmoil. The opening lines, 'Break your arms around me like I passed away,' set a somber tone, suggesting a relationship that feels both suffocating and mournful. The imagery of death and the physical act of holding on tightly reflect a desperate attempt to cling to something that is slipping away. The protagonist's internal conflict is palpable as they admit that their 'guts twist up' upon hearing declarations of love, indicating a deep-seated anxiety and discomfort with the relationship's current state.

The chorus, 'I love you a lot, I'll love you when I've given up,' encapsulates the paradox of loving someone even when hope seems lost. This line suggests a resignation to the inevitability of change and the end of the relationship, yet a lingering affection remains. The song further explores this theme with lines like 'Your defense to change will go on and on,' highlighting the resistance to change and the pain that comes with it. The plea to 'reassess all you think you know' underscores the confusion and reevaluation that often accompany emotional upheaval.

In the bridge, the lyrics 'Can you hear us, destiny? Outside your door with my nail marks in the floor' evoke a sense of desperation and helplessness. The protagonist is pleading for clarity and guidance, torn between fear and the desire to 'play pretend and call it love.' The repeated exhortation to 'give up' signifies a struggle with surrendering to the inevitable end of the relationship. The final lines, 'I'll love you enough,' suggest a bittersweet acceptance, acknowledging that love persists even in the face of despair and resignation. Fleshwater's poignant lyrics and haunting melodies create a powerful narrative of love's fragility and the emotional battles we face within ourselves.