"We, The Drowned" by Lisa Hannigan is a song that delves into themes of loss, self-destruction, and a sense of hopelessness. The lyrics depict a group of people who feel overwhelmed by their own internal struggles and are resigned to their fate. The song opens with the line "We, the drowned, hold our hollow hearted ground." Here, "the drowned" symbolizes those who have been consumed by their own emotions or difficulties. They are trapped within themselves, unable to break free from their struggles. The next line, "Til we swallow ourselves down again," suggests that these individuals are continuously falling into a cycle of self-destruction. They are unable to escape their own destructive tendencies and keep succumbing to them. As the song progresses, the chorus highlights the desperation and confusion felt by the group. The lyrics state, "We know not the fire in which we burn, but we sing and we sing, and the flames grow higher." This line implies that they are aware of the pain they are inflicting upon themselves but cannot seem to stop. They drown out their suffering by singing, yet it only intensifies. The verse "We read not the pages which we turn, but we sing, and we sing, and we sing, and we sing" suggests a lack of awareness or understanding of the consequences of their actions. They continue on their self-destructive path without considering the potential harm it can cause. The song continues to emphasize the sense of being lost and trapped. The lines "We, the wrong, we the sewn up and long gone," portray a group of people who feel they have gone astray and are disconnected from themselves. They have become disconnected from their true selves and are metaphorically "sewn up" or closed off from the possibilities of change or growth. Overall, "We, The Drowned" explores the struggles and despair of individuals who are trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. The song paints a grim picture of their existence and their inability to break free from their own suffering. It suggests a longing for change and healing, yet the individuals remain stuck in their destructive patterns.
