Meaning of "Deep Water" by American Authors

The lyrics of "Deep Water" by American Authors convey a sense of inner turmoil and vulnerability. The narrator describes their emotional state as something that "comes and goes in waves," suggesting that they experience periods of intense emotion followed by moments of relative calm. However, they admit that even when things seem to return to normal, they are never quite the same, indicating that they carry the weight of their struggles with them.

The line "Well I think there's something wrong with me, got nothing to believe, can't you see it on my face?" highlights the narrator's feelings of self-doubt and confusion. They are searching for meaning, but they feel lost and unable to find it. The mention of the tidal wave reinforces the imagery of overwhelming emotions that they can't escape. They long for someone to reassure them that they won't be washed away by the challenges they face.

The narrator also touches on the desire for success without the pain or sacrifice that often accompanies it. They mention wanting "the flame without the burning," indicating a desire for achievement without the hardships that come along with it. They acknowledge their lack of understanding of their own worth and purpose, which contributes to their feelings of emptiness.

The repeated question of whether the person they are addressing will make them stronger and be their source of support in the deep water reflects their need for someone to anchor them during difficult times. The deep water symbolizes their struggles, while the request for someone to be their breath suggests that they need someone to give them the will to keep going. The longing for someone to extend their journey, to take them farther and give them one more day, shows the narrator's hope that another person can provide them with the strength they currently lack.

The final repetition of the phrase "It always runs back but it's never quite the same" captures the cyclical nature of the narrator's emotional state. They recognize that their struggles will continue to resurface, perhaps in different forms, but that they will never truly go away.

Overall, "Deep Water" explores themes of self-doubt, the search for purpose, and the need for support in the face of overwhelming challenges. It highlights the narrator's desire for someone to be their anchor and provide them with the strength to navigate the deep waters of life.