"White Flag" by Kina Grannis is a song about unconditional love and the determination to hold on to a relationship despite its difficulties. The lyrics express the narrator's unwavering commitment to their love, even if it seems futile or one-sided. The song begins with the narrator acknowledging that others may believe they should no longer love the person they are singing to. However, they emphasize that if they didn't express their love, they would still feel it inside without any purpose. They assure their loved one that their intention is not to make their life harder or to go back to the past. The chorus, "I will go down with this ship, I won't put my hands up and surrender," illustrates the narrator's steadfast determination to stay in the relationship, regardless of the challenges they may face. They refuse to give up or wave a white flag as a sign of surrender. Their love is strong and enduring. The second verse acknowledges the mistakes and harm caused by the narrator in the past, which may have led to a breakup. They understand if their loved one can't forgive them or speak to them again. However, they still believe that if the relationship is truly over, it would make sense to abide by that decision. The bridge suggests that the narrator and their loved one will eventually cross paths again, and all their shared memories and emotions will still be present. The narrator, however, decides to let things go and remain silent, giving the impression that they have moved on. But deep down, they know their love will always remain. Overall, "White Flag" portrays a deeply devoted and resilient love, with the narrator vowing to stay committed despite the challenges and potential heartbreak.
