Meaning of "Austen" by As It Is

The lyrics of "Austen" delve into the emotional turmoil of watching a loved one deteriorate and suffer. The narrator grapples with the impending loss and the inevitable changes that come with illness. The reference to stories told by the father indicates a sense of nostalgia for better times and a longing for the person they once knew. There is a desperate plea for strength to endure the pain of seeing their loved one weakened and the fear of losing them. The repetitive lines highlight the internal struggle of wanting to hold on to someone who is slipping away. The imagery of towering over the hospital bed symbolizes the reversal of roles, where the narrator now takes on the role of caregiver, echoing the care once received from the now ailing individual. Overall, the lyrics capture the raw emotions of love, fear, and heartache that come with witnessing a loved one's suffering.