CPR
Wet Leg
The Thin Line Between Love and Desperation
Wet Leg's song "CPR" explores the intense and often tumultuous emotions that accompany love, using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the complexity of romantic relationships. The lyrics depict a sense of vulnerability and risk, as the narrator describes tying a rope around their waist and jumping off a cliff at the behest of their lover. This metaphor suggests a willingness to take a leap of faith, even when the outcome is uncertain, highlighting the precarious balance between love and self-destruction.
The recurring question "Is it love or suicide?" underscores the dual nature of the narrator's feelings, where love is both exhilarating and potentially harmful. The use of CPR as a metaphor for emotional resuscitation further emphasizes the life-or-death stakes of the relationship. The narrator's plea for CPR, both literal and metaphorical, suggests a desperate need for revival and connection, as if their very existence depends on the presence and affection of their partner.
The song also touches on themes of identity and self-discovery, as the narrator questions whether their partner is their "ride-or-die" and whether the relationship is truly fulfilling. The mention of "triple nine," the emergency services number in the UK, adds a layer of urgency and drama, reinforcing the idea that love can feel like an emergency situation. Ultimately, "CPR" captures the intense emotions and contradictions inherent in love, where passion and peril coexist in a delicate dance.