Drown

Tyler Joseph's song 'Drown' is a poignant exploration of inner turmoil and the search for redemption and strength amidst personal struggles. The lyrics convey a sense of battling with one's own identity and the desire for spiritual cleansing and growth. The opening lines set a tone of guilt and self-reflection, suggesting a metaphorical killing of one's past self and the longing for transformation. Joseph's imagery of rain and the act of drowning symbolize a yearning for purification and a release from the burdens that weigh him down.

The song delves into the internal conflict between who the individual is and who they are expected to be. The lyrics touch on themes of self-improvement, the pressures of societal expectations, and the cyclical nature of failure and perseverance. Joseph's use of religious language, such as references to 'lord' and 'grace,' indicates a spiritual dimension to this struggle, highlighting the quest for meaning and the fight against one's darker impulses. The repeated plea to be washed or drowned by the rain suggests a desire to be reborn or to start anew, free from past mistakes.

'Drown' also addresses the feelings of depression and the battle with one's own mind. The ocean and sky imagery serve as metaphors for the vastness and depth of the singer's emotional state, with the darkness representing depression and the occasional lightning strike symbolizing moments of clarity or truth. The song captures the complexity of human emotion, the pain of self-awareness, and the relentless pursuit of self-actualization and peace.