The song "Fading" by Elijah Blake revolves around the themes of addiction, heartbreak, and self-destruction. The lyrics tell the story of a young woman who is lost, both mentally and emotionally. She engages in destructive behaviors such as drinking and driving, using drugs, and seeking love in all the wrong places. The protagonist of the song is described as having no soul but being young-minded. This suggests that she is lacking a sense of purpose or direction in life. Despite her attempts to find love, she is unable to form lasting connections with others, leading to feelings of loneliness and despair. The lyrics also touch upon the negative influence of a past relationship. It is implied that the woman's previous partner mistreated her, leaving her emotionally scarred and mentally detached. The line "Her last man did her wrong, and he left her mind gone" suggests that this relationship has had a lasting impact on her mental state. The song speaks to the consequences of the protagonist's actions, discussing how her reckless behaviors are causing her to fade away. The mention of sleep with a purple substance (likely referring to codeine-infused cough syrup) and seeing strobe lights indicates her drug use and the altered state of mind it brings. This substance abuse, along with her emotional turmoil, is symbolized by her fading away. The lyrics also touch upon the perspective of a third person, possibly a male figure, who is involved in the woman's life. This person is described as selling dreams, possibly alluding to false promises or an exploitative relationship. There is a sense of regret and remorse from this character as they realize the impact of their actions. Overall, the song conveys the downward spiral of the protagonist's life, depicting her struggles with addiction and heartbreak. It reflects on the consequences of her choices and the emotional toll it takes on her.
