The song "Earthquake" by The Used tells the story of a troubled relationship that is on the verge of collapsing. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist's partner is going through emotional turmoil, symbolized by the earthquake metaphor. The person feels as though their world is crashing down around them, and they can almost hear their partner crying out as they leave them behind. Feeling responsible for the mess in their relationship, the protagonist compares their actions to starting a fire. They question if their partner is still willing to be with them despite the chaos they have caused. The lyrics express the protagonist's desperation for their partner to stay with them, as they are not alright and not fine when they are gone. The song suggests that the partner also has an earthquake on their mind, which implies that they are carrying their own emotional burdens. This burden is said to be so heavy that it might bury the couple alive, indicating the potential downfall of their relationship. The protagonist lies broken on the ocean floor, comparing themselves to a castle by the shore, emphasizing their emotional devastation. They contemplate whether their actions have fatally harmed their love, leading to the use of words like "slaughter" and "murder" to describe the state of their relationship. In the bridge, the protagonist reflects on the consequences of their actions, feeling the taste of blood in their mouth and a knife in their lungs symbolizing guilt and pain. They question whether they have truly killed their love. The song ends with a plea for their partner to remain with them. The protagonist acknowledges their own vulnerability and expresses their desire for their partner to be fully committed to the relationship. Overall, the lyrics depict a tumultuous relationship filled with emotional turmoil, guilt, and a desperate longing for stability and love.
