The song "Drowning" by Jonah Kagen explores the theme of sacrificing oneself for the sake of someone else's well-being. The protagonist of the song admits to living in the nightmares and fears of another person, having been by their side for a long time. However, the burden has become overwhelming, symbolized by the water flooding the cave and the weight the protagonist cannot carry. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is aware of the secrets and troubles of the other person, but still keeps them hidden. They love the person deeply, but their love becomes a weakness that leads to their own drowning. The protagonist feels suffocated and unable to breathe, yet they continue to hold on, unable to let go despite needing to do so. The song also touches on the idea that the protagonist has been fighting to stay for too long, resulting in their own suffering. They are wounded, both physically and emotionally, as they navigate through difficult times with the other person. Despite carrying the memories, the protagonist feels hopeless and trembling, unable to endure the pain any longer. The lyrics further express the desperation of the other person, who claims to desperately need the protagonist. However, the protagonist feels exhausted and defeated, having given their heart and soul to the relationship. They no longer want to leave the other person alone, but they are also bleeding and unable to continue carrying the weight of their world on their shoulders. The protagonist acknowledges the hope that they might find their way back to each other in the future, but for now, they need to prioritize their own survival. They plea for the other person to believe them, as they make the difficult decision to let go and break free from the drowning. Overall, "Drowning" by Jonah Kagen portrays the struggle of sacrificing oneself for someone else's well-being while ultimately reaching a breaking point and realizing the need to prioritize personal survival. It delves into themes of unrequited love, emotional exhaustion, and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships.
