"Against The Bottom" by Grieves is a song that explores themes of struggle, self-destructive behavior, and the desire for escape. The lyrics depict a person who is feeling overwhelmed and trapped by life's hardships. The song begins by asking the person to share their feelings while they are at their lowest point, metaphorically represented by having their back against the bottom. There is a sense that something about the present days has caused them to feel stuck and entangled. The lyrics mention the person throwing empty bottles into the bay, possibly as a way of numbing their pain or escaping their reality temporarily. The question is posed about what they said or did when life came crashing down on them, implying that they may have acted impulsively or made choices they now regret. The singer acknowledges that they should have seen the signs of the person's distress when they broke down. They urge the person to stop pretending they are without power or agency in their situation. The lyrics suggest that the singer could sense the person's struggles from the beginning, even through physical cues such as kisses and actions like punching walls. There is a sense of frustration with the person's anger, but also an understanding that they don't need to resort to such destructive behavior. The singer emphasizes that life is not worth harming oneself, referencing the imagery of a knife-sliced wrist. They spent a lot of time trying to understand the things that still bring the person joy and make them feel alive. The lyrics shift to addressing the person directly, using endearing terms like "little girl" and "little love." The singer suggests that the person has been holding their head to the ground in the mud, refusing to come back up unless the entire sky falls down on them. They encourage the person to reflect on their actions and the chances they were given, and if they can't find their way back, the singer offers to meet them at their common meeting place. The chorus repeats the notion of being caught up in these challenging days and once again mentions tossing empty bottles into the bay. The singer asks what the person said or did when life crashed down on them, highlighting the need for reflection and understanding. The second verse reflects the singer's own experience and regret. They state that they should have seen the signs when they returned, suggesting that they missed or ignored warning signs. The singer expresses disappointment that the person didn't make the effort they had hoped for, to break free from their own self-imposed cage. There is a desire for the person to try again and take another chance at improving their situation. The lyrics employ the metaphor of fly fishing, symbolizing the singer's attempt to catch the person's attention and affection. They tie their heart to the only line available, indicating their vulnerability and investment in the relationship. If they don't succeed, they anticipate drifting aimlessly until their last breath. The singer expresses a sense of defeat and exhaustion, longing for the comfort of familiarity and returning to the things that hurt and attack the person. They no longer want to make this place their home and urge the person to leave them behind. The final chorus echoes the sentiment of catching up with the struggles of these days and discarding empty bottles into the bay. Once again, it asks what the person said or did when life crashed down on them. Overall, "Against The Bottom" delves into the complexities of struggle, emotional pain, and the yearning to escape difficult circumstances. It highlights the importance of reflection, taking responsibility, and seeking a better path forward.
