Meaning of "Under" by Alex Hepburn
The lyrics of "Under" delve into the deep emotional vulnerability of the singer, expressing their fear of being abandoned and left alone with their own struggles. The repeated plea of "Don't bury me, don't let me down, don't say it's over" illustrates the desperate need for the person they rely on to stay present in their life. The singer believes that if this person were to leave, it would cause them to sink beneath the surface, symbolizing a loss of hope and a descent into a dark and suffocating place.
The lyrics also touch upon the damaging power of words. The singer explains that the words spoken by their loved one have the ability to harm them deeply. They describe feeling like they are being murdered by these words, highlighting the emotional impact they have. The reliance on this person to determine their sense of self is evident, as they state that only this individual has the power to send them under.
Furthermore, the lyrics depict a sense of self-destruction and loss. The singer mentions dying every time the person they rely on walks away and feeling like they are losing themselves. The darkness and demons within themselves seem overwhelming, especially in the absence of this person. The repeated reference to losing reasons to live hints at the fragile state of their mental and emotional well-being.
The chorus also conveys a sense of hopelessness and resignation. The repetition of the phrase "Don't say those words" emphasizes the fear of hearing rejection or an end to their connection. The desperate desire to live but the acknowledgement that the potential abandonment could be destructive is evident in the line "I wanna live but your words can murder." The concept of being sent under, underneath the ground, is a metaphorical representation of being consumed by despair and a complete loss of hope.
Overall, the lyrics of "Under" convey themes of fear, dependency, the destructive power of words, and the precariousness of the singer's mental and emotional state.