Meaning of "Trouble Breathing" by Alkaline Trio

The lyrics of "Trouble Breathing" delve into the dark depths of depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The exchange between the two individuals highlights the severity of the mental anguish they are going through, with references to feeling dead inside, being unable to breathe, and contemplating death as a release from their suffering. The comparison of choosing between a rope and a bottle suggests the different ways in which people may seek to escape their pain, whether through suicide or substance abuse. The repeated refrain of never being okay and always feeling in pain underscores the enduring nature of their torment. The closing lines urging to let life rot from the inside out serve as a poignant reminder of how unchecked mental health struggles can corrode one's inner self.