Meaning of "Human" by Christina Perri

"Human" is a relatable anthem that explores the pressures and struggles of living up to the expectations placed upon oneself by others. The opening lines establish a sense of resilience and determination, with the speaker declaring their ability to hold their breath, bite their tongue, and stay awake for days. These actions represent the lengths they are willing to go to in order to please someone else and be their number one. The subsequent lines emphasize their capability to put on a facade and play different roles, whether it be faking a smile, forcing a laugh, or pretending to be a good machine. These behaviors are driven by the desire to maintain the relationship and be everything the other person needs.

However, amidst the facade and the act, the speaker recognizes their own humanity. They acknowledge that they are only human and susceptible to pain and vulnerability. The repetition of the line "And I bleed when I fall down" highlights the speaker's recognition that they can only endure so much before they reach a breaking point. The words in their head and the knives in their heart symbolize the emotional toll that constantly trying to please others takes on their mental and emotional well-being.

The chorus becomes a powerful declaration of the speaker's humanity and vulnerability. They emphasize that they are just "a little human," emphasizing their smallness in the grand scheme of things. They acknowledge that they can only handle so much before they've had enough, illustrating the limits of what they can withstand. The repetition of the line "And I crash and I break down" further emphasizes their fragility and susceptibility to emotional breakdowns.

The overall message of the song is one of self-awareness and self-acceptance. It highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring one's own limits, understanding that it is okay to fall apart and acknowledge one's vulnerabilities. While the pressure to constantly please others may be overwhelming, the song reminds listeners that they are not super-human and that it's important to prioritize self-care and mental well-being.