Meaning of "Burn Nice and Slow (The Formative Years)" by Hail The Sun

The lyrics of "Burn Nice and Slow (The Formative Years)" by Hail The Sun delve into themes of self-doubt, insecurity, gratitude, guilt, and self-destructive tendencies. The song opens with the narrator describing how doubt has consumed them internally and affected their ability to impress others. They find solace in silence, as it becomes a way to hide their perceived subpar existence. The mention of the closed campus and students going home further emphasizes their isolation and melancholy.

However, the song takes a positive turn as the narrator acknowledges the presence of someone beside them, saving them partially from their struggles. This person is described as bracing the narrator's insecurities and gently nudging them, metaphorically acting as a safety blanket. The use of "velvet sheets" as a place of confession highlights the comfort and trust the narrator feels within this relationship. They express their sincere gratitude for this person's love and support.

But the tone shifts again as the narrator turns inward, describing the damage done to their own mind through self-infliction and isolation. They dismiss the comfort they receive from someone else, feeling that it cannot alleviate their pain. The reference to suffocating on 1st Avenue suggests that the narrator feels trapped and unable to escape their own negative emotions.

The chorus serves as a lament for the disconnect between the narrator's desires and reality. They express the feeling that things have not turned out as they wanted or as the other person wanted for them. The repetition of "on repeat" and the directive to "take your feelings and cleanse yourself of mine" implies a cyclical pattern of self-destructive behavior and a desire for the other person to distance themselves.

The song concludes with a sense of remorse as the narrator reflects on the pain they caused the person they care about. They watch as their love burns away slowly, suggesting that their actions have caused irreparable damage to the relationship. The repetition of "burn nice and slow" emphasizes the lingering pain and the gradual dissolution of the connection.

Overall, the lyrics of "Burn Nice and Slow (The Formative Years)" explore the internal struggles of the narrator, their gratitude for someone who supports them, and their regret for the harm they inflict on others. It delves into the complexities of self-doubt, guilt, and the destructive nature of their own behavior, ultimately leaving them with a sense of loss and personal reflection.