"Drown" is a song by Tyler Joseph, the lead vocalist of the band Twenty One Pilots. The lyrics depict a sense of loneliness, struggle, and internal conflict within the protagonist's mind. The song opens with the protagonist acknowledging their past actions, symbolized by the "very clothes that I killed you in." They express their realization of being alone and seek solace in someone else's presence. The mention of rain falling from the person they walk to implies a desire for purification or healing. The protagonist then reflects on their inner struggles and desires. They express a yearning to be different things, to be stronger and make decisions. However, they feel trapped and indecisive, unable to escape their own self-imposed limitations. The strategy they plan out seems futile, and they feel a sense of failure and despair. Despite this, they continue to repeat the same patterns and collide with their own metaphorical wall of mistakes. The protagonist questions their own identity, pondering if the blood on the floor belongs to them or the person they address as "Lord." They express exhaustion and a reluctance to continue on this self-destructive path. The lyrics then go back and forth between the protagonist's own desires and the expectations of others. They feel trapped, perceiving themselves as a man who must buy his way in life but lacks the resources to do so. They describe their broken heart and the struggle to fulfill their calling, as they repeatedly fail to understand the crimes they commit against themselves. Despite facing hardships, they pick themselves up and continue striving for success. In the chorus, the protagonist returns to the person they sought solace in, displaying their vulnerability and asking for help. They express a desire for growth and a plea to be cleansed or drowned from their troubles. The following verse delves into the protagonist's internal conflict. They feel consumed by selfish ambition, questioning the purpose and impact of their actions. They feel trapped and uncertain, not knowing if they are alive or slowly dying. They acknowledge their flaws and attempt to change their name and identity, seeking a new destiny. However, they feel crippled and unable to walk or regain their former self. The bridge of the song draws a stark contrast between the beauty of the sky and the darkness of the ocean. The protagonist is unable to perceive the boundary between the two, emphasizing their confusion and disorientation. They are engulfed in depression and drown in their thoughts, while lightning serves as a brief reminder of truth. Ultimately, the song illustrates the protagonist's struggle with their own identity, a longing for relief from their inner conflicts, and a perpetual cycle of failure and resilience.
