The song "Fumes" by Ben Hazlewood explores themes of strength, determination, and personal choice. The lyrics suggest that the singer is in control of their own life, despite feeling out of sync or disconnected from the world around them. The opening lines, "Master of my heartbeat / I'll be out of rhythm" emphasize the singer's sense of autonomy. They acknowledge that others may come into their life, but ultimately the singer's armor, or emotional protection, resides within themselves. The lyrics continue to describe the singer's ability to use their pain as motivation, comparing it to a freight train without brakes, causing a real collision. This suggests that the singer is willing to face challenges head-on without backing down. The chorus repeats the phrase "running on fumes," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for pushing through exhaustion or hardship. The singer acknowledges they may be running on empty, but they choose to continue regardless. This reflects their determination to keep going and live life on their own terms. The song mentions dancing in a tomb, which can be seen as a metaphor for finding joy and life in unexpected or difficult circumstances. The singer acknowledges that they may not always conform to societal norms, but they embrace their own identity and express themselves freely. The lyrics also depict the singer's inner turmoil, comparing their mind to a hurricane while others are on vacation. This suggests that the singer carries a lot of mental weight and struggles internally, even when others may not realize it. In the second half of the song, the lyrics express a desire for solitude and a break from the challenges they face. The singer longs to be left alone and to slow down, seeking stability and serenity in their life. Overall, "Fumes" by Ben Hazlewood showcases a strong-willed individual who faces adversity head-on, embraces their own uniqueness, and makes their own choices despite the struggles they face. The song encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and find strength within, even in the face of hardships.
