What You Sow
Sub Urban
The Bittersweet Harvest of Love
Sub Urban's "What You Sow" delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship, exploring themes of emotional dependency and the inevitable consequences of love gone awry. The repeated line "You reap more than what you sow" suggests that the emotional investment in the relationship yields unexpected and overwhelming outcomes, often more than one bargained for. This metaphor highlights the imbalance and unpredictability inherent in human connections, where the returns can be both rewarding and devastating.
The lyrics convey a sense of inner turmoil and conflict, as the narrator grapples with the addictive nature of their relationship. Phrases like "I'll lose myself before I lose you" and "Our addiction is one I can't keep" reflect the struggle between self-preservation and the fear of losing a significant other. The use of "bittersweet" underscores the duality of their bond, where moments of joy are intertwined with pain and regret. The mention of the "amygdala" and "foreign chemistry" adds a layer of psychological depth, suggesting that the emotional chaos is not just a matter of the heart but also a chemical imbalance affecting the mind.
The song also touches on the inevitability of change and the fading of love, as seen in lines like "When our love should fade" and "Our heartstrings start to fray." This imagery evokes the gradual unraveling of a once-strong connection, leading to a sense of loss and disillusionment. The reference to "Mount Olympus" and the "facile climb" implies that what once seemed effortless and divine now feels insurmountable, hinting at the fall from grace that both parties will experience. Ultimately, "What You Sow" captures the bittersweet nature of love, where the highs are matched by equally profound lows, leaving a lasting impact on those involved.