"Choke" by OneRepublic is a song about the lingering pain and desire for a lost love. The protagonist is still deeply affected by the breakup, struggling to move on and find closure. They hold onto keepsakes and memories, even though it only brings them more pain.

Meaning of "Choke" by OneRepublic

"Choke" delves into the aftermath of a breakup and explores the emotions that arise when trying to let go of a past love. The lyrics express the protagonist's longing for their ex-partner, evident in lines such as "I'll keep a picture of you on the wall" and "I'll keep a message of you if you call." They grapple with the pain of being alone and the difficulty of moving forward, symbolized in the repeated use of the word "choke." The mention of breakfast on the table and the smell of the ex-partner in the halls emphasizes the lingering presence and memories that haunt the protagonist, further intensifying their grief. The lyrics also convey a sense of frustration and desperation in the lines "I'm not hoping for an answer, I'm just knocking at your door," indicating a yearning for some form of closure or reconciliation. Overall, "Choke" captures the raw and devastating emotions experienced after a breakup, depicting the struggles of letting go and the internal conflict between clinging onto the past and trying to move forward.