Meaning of "Cannonball" by Brandi Carlile

The lyrics of "Cannonball" delve into the complex emotions surrounding heartbreak and the struggle to forget someone who has caused pain. The speaker describes being born when they met this person, implying that their identity and existence have been deeply influenced by the relationship. However, as the relationship ends, the speaker longs to sever the connection and forget the person who brought them so much pain.

The metaphor of the "wounded cannonball" sinking down with their heart in tow suggests the heavy burden the speaker carries within them. They feel immobilized and frozen, unable to move forward or let go of the pain. The bright lights and white lightning in the lyrics represent the intense emotional turmoil that the speaker is experiencing. They question who shot them down and who will be the one to cut them down, indicating a sense of victimhood and helplessness in the face of their emotions.

There is a poignant moment in the lyrics when the speaker encounters a man who is mourning the loss of his friends. The speaker challenges his belief that his friends are truly gone, suggesting that they can still be connected to them through memories and prayers. This sentiment reflects the idea that even after someone has passed away, they continue to exist in our hearts and minds. The speaker finds solace in the belief that their connection to the person they are trying to forget is not entirely lost.

The lyrics further explore the theme of time's inability to heal all wounds. Someone tells the speaker a lie, assuring them that time will ease their pain. However, the speaker realizes that the pain resurfaces and returns like a cannonball to their heart. This suggests that certain wounds and heartbreaks can continue to affect us deeply, even as time passes.

Overall, the lyrics of "Cannonball" paint a vivid picture of the emotional struggle to forget someone who has caused immense pain. The speaker grapples with their own identity and emotional immobility, while also exploring the intangible connections that persist even when someone is physically gone. The song challenges the notion of time as a healer and acknowledges that some wounds may never fully fade away.