"Slip Away" by Gabrielle Aplin is a song about feeling trapped and suffocated in a relationship. The lyrics depict the narrator feeling locked inside their own mind, with nothing to lose and nothing to prove. They are waiting for love and a reason to fight, but find themselves constantly disappointed. The narrator expresses frustration towards their partner, who never seems satisfied or pleased with anything they say or do. They are unable to speak their mind or express their true feelings because the partner doesn't want to hear the truth. The partner manipulates the narrator by telling them what they want to hear, making them feel insignificant and incapable of making their own decisions. The chorus reflects the narrator's inner turmoil, questioning how their partner could treat them this way. It's becoming harder for them to breathe and stay in the relationship. However, they refuse to be held down or silenced, gradually slipping away from the grip of their partner. The closer the partner tries to hold them, the more they distance themselves emotionally. The song suggests that the narrator realizes their worth and eventually finds the strength to break free from the toxic relationship, reclaiming their independence. Overall, "Slip Away" portrays a struggle for freedom and self-empowerment in the face of a controlling and deceptive partner.
