Meaning of "Paralyzed" by NF

The lyrics of "Paralyzed" by NF delve deep into the experience of emotional numbness and disconnection from oneself. The song addresses the overwhelming feeling of being detached from one's emotions and the struggle to find a sense of identity. The opening lines, "When did I become so numb? When did I lose myself?" convey the narrator's confusion and bewilderment at the gradual disintegration of their emotional state. They express a sense of alienation from their own words, as though they no longer recognize them as their own.

The repeated refrain of being "paralyzed" emphasizes the sensation of being stuck in a state of emotional limbo. The absence of feelings is likened to a loss of the "real me," with the lyrics questioning where the authentic self has gone. This loss is further underscored by the line, "Where's the person that I know? They must have left," indicating a profound disconnect from one's past self and the abandonment of faith.

The lyrics also explore the fear of living and the fear of dying. The narrator admits to burying their pain long ago, but it continues to haunt them, taking control of their life. The conflicting emotions of wanting to feel something again and feeling nothing at all highlight the internal struggle faced by someone who is emotionally paralyzed. The lines, "I'm under water but I feel like I'm on top of it" and "I'm in a box but I'm the one who locked me in" depict the feeling of being trapped and suffocated by one's own emotions.

Overall, "Paralyzed" evokes a deeply introspective journey into the darkness of emotional numbness and disconnection. It portrays the inner battle of struggling to feel alive and regain a sense of self. The lyrics capture the despair and frustration of being paralyzed and unable to break free from the suffocating grip of emptiness and isolation.