Meaning of "Fade" by Palisades

"Fade" delves into the emotional turmoil of feeling detached and trapped within oneself. The opening lines depict a lack of communication and connection, with the protagonist hearing words but failing to make meaningful connections. The repetition of "Heartbeat, repeat" suggests a monotonous cycle of feeling stuck and unable to escape their own emotional prison.

The narrator's desperate plea to stop before hitting the ground reveals a sense of self-destructiveness and a desire to break free from their current state. They express a deep longing to heal, to become authentic and real, but simultaneously feel their own fading presence. This fading can be attributed to a loss of identity or a diminishing sense of self-worth.

The reference to slipping through someone's fingers implies the inability to hold on or maintain relationships. The narrator acknowledges their tendency to lie, highlighting a lack of transparency and vulnerability. Despite this, they yearn for someone to see past their facade and search for the reasons behind their behavior.

The line "Burn to die to feel more alive" suggests that the protagonist is willing to endure pain and self-destruction in an attempt to feel something, to escape the numbness that paralysis brings. This self-destructive nature further emphasizes their desperation for change and healing.

Towards the end of the song, the protagonist questions whether their healing can enable them to stay in their current reality or if they will continue to fade away. This demonstrates their fear of becoming completely lost, as if they no longer exist.

Ultimately, "Fade" explores the struggle of feeling disconnected, paralyzed, and yearning for healing and authenticity. It reflects the internal battle between wanting to be seen and understood, while simultaneously fearing the vulnerability and potential rejection that comes with it.