Meaning of "Hopeless" by Breaking Benjamin

The lyrics of "Hopeless" delve into themes of despair, struggle, and a relentless hold on life. The opening lines convey a sense of being trapped in sorrow, with the question of whether succumbing to overwhelming emotions is inevitable. The water symbolizes drowning in despair, representing the possibility of being consumed by darkness. The repeating refrain of "Hopeless!" emphasizes the narrator's feelings of being powerless and falling deeper into despair. They express a sense of filthiness, perhaps from their own perceived failures or mistakes, which contributes to their feeling of being unable to escape. Despite this, the narrator refuses to let go and continues to hold on, displaying resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The mention of sinking into the grave adds a morbid and final dimension to the lyrics, suggesting a battle against death itself. The reference to the Devil calling their name further emphasizes the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the internal conflict within the narrator's mind. Overall, the lyrics of "Hopeless" paint a picture of a person grappling with their inner demons and fighting to maintain their grip on life.