Meaning of "Low" by I Prevail
The lyrics of "Low" delve into the depths of despair and hopelessness that one can experience when faced with overwhelming challenges and self-doubt. The repetition of feeling low emphasizes the protagonist's state of mind and highlights their struggle with their mental health. The opening lines immediately set the tone, as the protagonist describes their freefall into darkness, with the floor giving way and the walls closing in. This vivid imagery captures the feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed. The recurring theme of voices in their head reflects the presence of negative thoughts and self-criticism, telling them that they are not enough. These internal voices erode their self-confidence and contribute to their sense of being broken.
The lyrics also touch on the protagonist's struggle to find relief. They mention being high, likely referring to moments of temporary escape or distraction from their problems, but even then, they still feel low. This suggests that their pain runs deep and persists regardless of external circumstances. The repetition of falling over the edge and being in over their head symbolizes the constant cycle of despair they find themselves in, unable to break free. The sense of isolation is reinforced when they claim to be on their own, with the lights fading and colors turning to grey. It signifies that the protagonist feels disconnected and detached from the world, losing hope of being saved.
The chorus demonstrates the protagonist's internal conflict. They question whether it is their time to let go and find some form of release from their pain. The desperate plea to let it go highlights their desperate search for a solution, but they also express uncertainty about whether it will bring any relief. The lyrics depict an individual who continually battles their inner demons, haunted by relentless voices that chip away at their sense of self-worth.
The last lines of the song encapsulate the depth of the protagonist's despair, acknowledging that they have hit rock bottom. The repetition of "I'm so damn low" establishes a feeling of utter hopelessness. The line, "I'm doin' everything I can to try to fix the problem," reveals their efforts to overcome their struggles, but the realization that hitting rock bottom is symbolic of feeling completely defeated. The pervasive sense of despair and loneliness in the song resonates with those who have experienced similar struggles with their mental health.