Meaning of "Hollow" by Breaking Benjamin

The lyrics of "Hollow" delve into themes of longing, pain, and the search for a genuine connection. The lines, "Stay alive, heaven holds a place for us tonight, I am paralyzed," set the tone of vulnerability and the need for salvation. Here, heaven symbolizes a sanctuary, a place of relief from the struggles of life. The protagonist is paralyzed, unable to move forward from the pain they have endured.

The chorus, "Love left me hollow, I'm with you in the end, Cold, crippled and shallow, Don't leave me here again," speaks to the protagonist's longing for a love that goes beyond surface-level. The word "hollow" conveys a sense of emptiness and longing, as the protagonist desires a love that will fill the void within them. The fear of being left alone again is a recurring theme, as the protagonist yearns for a connection that will last until the end.

The lyrics also touch on the concept of escaping one's own destructive thoughts and emotions. In the lines, "Close your eyes, drive away the cloud that hides the light, And leave the pain behind," the protagonist seeks solace from their pain and seeks to escape the negativity that clouds their mind. The desire to escape and find inner peace is further emphasized in the line, "Escape the hate inside."

The lyrics also hint at the dual nature of love and the consequences it can bring. The line, "Fruit of life, I can hear the voices of the hive, Chemicals collide," suggests that love can be both sweet and intoxicating, but also overwhelming and chaotic. It highlights the conflicting emotions and how they can consume the protagonist.

In the final verses, the lyrics display a sense of vulnerability and a fear of being broken once again. The lines, "I can't go on, You are bound to break me in, I come undone, Don't you drag me down again," express the protagonist's fear of being hurt again and their plea to not be dragged into yet another painful experience. The repeated phrase, "I've come undone," further emphasizes the emotional turmoil and fragility the protagonist feels.

Overall, the lyrics of "Hollow" by Breaking Benjamin provide a poignant exploration of longing, pain, the search for deep connection, and the fear of being broken once again. It captures the desire for a love that goes beyond the surface and seeks a connection that will endure until the end.