The song "Cannonball" by Kina Grannis is a heartfelt and introspective ballad about the lingering effects of a past relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, doubt, and vulnerability. The opening lines, "Still a little bit of your taste in my mouth, Still a little bit of you laced with my doubt," suggest that the memories and emotions of the relationship still linger in the singer's mind, leaving them uncertain about their current situation. The chorus, "Stones taught me to fly, Love taught me to lie, Life taught me to die, So it's not hard to fall when you float like a cannonball," speaks to the various experiences and lessons learned throughout life. The stones symbolize challenges that have taught the singer to be resilient and soar above obstacles. Love, on the other hand, has taught them to be deceitful and experience emotional pain. The line "Life taught me to die" may refer to the metaphorical deaths one experiences when dealing with heartbreak and loss. The overall message is that falling or getting hurt becomes easier when you are used to being propelled forward like a cannonball. The second verse conveys the lingering presence of the past love interest, with references to their ghost and a desire to kiss their face. The line "You step a little closer each day that I can't say what's going on" could indicate the difficulty the singer has in comprehending their own feelings and the mixed signals they may be receiving. The bridge of the song shifts the focus to the internal struggle of the singer, asking for courage to help them overcome their shyness and fear. They express a desire not to scare or lose the person they are interested in, acknowledging the importance of taking risks while also acknowledging the fear that comes with it. Overall, "Cannonball" explores the complexities of love, loss, and personal growth. It delves into the lingering effects of a past relationship and the challenges of navigating emotions and vulnerability in a new connection.
