Meaning of "Treading Water" by Alex Clare

The lyrics of "Treading Water" by Alex Clare delve into a complex mix of emotions, exploring themes of attraction, past mistakes, and the struggle to change destructive patterns in relationships. The first verse introduces the narrator's immediate connection to someone who resembles a person from their past, creating a sense of deja vu and intrigue. This connection is tempered with a sense of apprehension, as the narrator acknowledges the difficulties they face in explaining their feelings.

Throughout the song, the narrator expresses a fear of repeating past mistakes and sabotaging the potential for a healthy relationship. The recurring line "Maybe it's another chance to mock myself again" reveals a deep-seated self-doubt and belief that they are destined to ruin relationships. Despite this fear, the narrator still longs for forgiveness and expresses a willingness to expose themselves emotionally, even if it means getting hurt.

The chorus, with the repetition of "treading water," suggests a feeling of stagnation and lack of progress. The narrator feels trapped in a cycle of making the same mistakes and not being able to move forward in their personal growth. They lament their inability to change and learn from past experiences, making it clear that they yearn for a different outcome but feel resigned to their own self-destructive tendencies.

The bridge of the song brings to light the narrator's struggle to remain present in their current relationship. They apologize to the person they're speaking to, explaining that their lingering thoughts about the past cause their attention to waver. The reference to "her" implies that the narrator is still emotionally attached to someone else, further complicating their ability to fully invest in the present.

Ultimately, the song captures the struggle of a narrator who is torn between their desire for a meaningful relationship and their deep-seated belief that they are destined to repeat past mistakes. It speaks to the human tendency to self-sabotage and struggle with personal growth, while yearning for change and forgiveness.