Meaning of "Lifeboats (Freestyle)" by Jorja Smith

"Lifeboats (Freestyle)" delves into themes of inequality, selfishness, and the failure of society to uplift those in need. The song begins with the repetition of "And it all falls down," evoking the image of a crumbling world. The line "How can you learn how to swim before you get in?" suggests that one must take risks and navigate difficult situations to truly understand them. Smith emphasizes the transient nature of life, noting that it is not merely smooth sailing or shallow ends. She comments on the lack of support and empathy in society, symbolized by the absence of armbands and a dim lighthouse that fails to guide those in distress.

The chorus poses poignant questions about the human condition. Smith wonders why, despite the ability to stay afloat, we all fall down. She suggests that selfishness is to blame, as people in the lifeboats prioritize their own survival over helping others. The second verse highlights the disparity between the wealthy and the less fortunate. The "richest" are depicted as staying afloat, while others, including her own "brothers," drown. Smith criticizes the larger societal structures that perpetuate inequality and states that the "mothership" fails to provide assistance to those in need.

The lyrics draw attention to the greed and wastefulness of those in power, who continue to accumulate wealth while impoverished individuals suffer. Smith uses the metaphor of sailing the internet waves, illustrating how the constant barrage of information can drown and overwhelm individuals. The struggle to afford life jackets symbolizes the lack of resources available to the majority, exacerbating their vulnerability. The final lines of the verse express the cyclical nature of poverty, as even those who acquire money quickly sink under the weight of their circumstances.

The chorus is repeated once again, emphasizing the overarching questions about humanity and society. The final repetition of "And it all falls down" implies a continuous cycle of downfall and the persistent failure to address these issues. The lyrics imply that until individuals acknowledge their own selfishness and actively work towards societal change, the cycle will repeat indefinitely.