Meaning of "Summer: Swimming Song" by Maddy Prior

The lyrics of "Summer: Swimming Song" by Maddy Prior reflect more than just a series of summer swimming experiences. The repetition of almost drowning and holding their breath suggests a metaphorical struggle or challenge the narrator is facing in their life, where they feel like they're barely keeping their head above water. The different swimming strokes and techniques could symbolize the different ways they try to navigate through these challenges, showing a mix of grace, playfulness, and desperation. The contrasting settings of public places and reservoirs could represent the narrator's inner conflict between conforming to societal norms and expressing themselves authentically. Ultimately, the self-destructive fool line hints at a deeper emotional turmoil or self-sabotaging tendencies that the narrator grapples with during this seemingly carefree season.