Meaning of "Swimming in the Flood" by Passion Pit

The lyrics of "Swimming in the Flood" explore themes of deception, isolation, and emotional overwhelm. The narrator's eyes have been proven wrong, suggesting a sense of disillusionment or the realization that things are not as they initially appeared. The clouds and blanket symbolize a metaphorical cover-up or façade to hide the truth, while the "pity song" represents a melancholic lament.

The chorus speaks to the overwhelming feeling of being trapped. The river being overrun signifies the flood of emotions that threatens to engulf the narrator, leaving them in a state of helplessness. They long for connection and intimacy, as symbolized by the fleeting touch they thought they felt, but the rising water prevents any meaningful connection.

The second verse introduces a shift in tone, with the narrator lying naked in a rampage, suggesting vulnerability and a loss of control. They confront the onset of their emotional struggle face to face, perhaps referring to a confrontation with their own suppressed emotions. The line "I forget everything that's ever made me rise again" highlights the weight of their emotional burden, as they are consumed by their memories and unable to find solace or motivation.

The repetition of the chorus reinforces the feeling of being overwhelmed by the flood. The juxtaposition of "swimming" and "thought I felt your touch" suggests a constant struggle to stay afloat amidst the chaos, while the inability to recognize or hold onto the touch implies a disconnection from any source of stability or comfort. The line "Now all my lovers raise their cups" suggests that others may also be experiencing their own emotional struggles, seeking solace or escape through intoxication.

Overall, the lyrics of "Swimming in the Flood" convey a sense of being overwhelmed by emotional turmoil and the inability to find respite or connection. It explores themes of disillusionment, isolation, and the powerlessness of being caught in the midst of one's own flood of emotions.