Drown Out

Glen Hansard's song 'Drown Out' delves into the emotional turmoil and the quest for inner peace amidst life's challenges. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with internal and external conflicts, seeking solace but often finding themselves isolated. The opening lines, 'Drown out, the voice that breaks the silence / And talks the joy out of everything,' suggest a struggle against negative thoughts or external pressures that rob the individual of happiness. This sets the tone for a journey marked by darkness and the loss of something deeply cherished, as indicated by 'You were found out and had to walk / in darkness without the only thing you care about.'

The recurring theme of isolation is poignantly expressed through the lines 'Cry alone, and die alone / Pray alone, and stay alone.' These words reflect a profound sense of loneliness and the difficulty of finding connection or support. The imagery of driving away and heading south symbolizes an attempt to escape or find a new beginning, yet the repeated phrase 'We found our way and blocked it out' suggests that the escape is incomplete or temporary. The struggle to maintain one's sanity and soul is further emphasized with 'You were burned out / And had to stop before all hell broke / And finally took its toll,' highlighting the toll that relentless stress and emotional pain can take.

The song also touches on the theme of self-preservation and the search for meaning. 'And save our souls were playing dead / And mine for gold in a heart of lead' suggests a desperate attempt to find value or purpose in a seemingly unyielding and harsh reality. The call to 'turn around and save yourself' is a plea for self-rescue and redemption. Ultimately, 'Drown Out' is a haunting exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of struggle, isolation, and the relentless pursuit of peace and meaning in a turbulent world.