Meaning of "Knife Going In" by Tegan And Sara

The lyrics of "Knife Going In" evoke a feeling of vulnerability and the fear of emotional pain. The repeated phrase "I feel the knife going in" symbolizes the emotional distress the narrator is experiencing. This could represent a situation in which the narrator feels hurt by someone they care about deeply, or it could reflect a fear of being vulnerable and potentially getting hurt in a relationship. The line "Not enough to kill me" suggests that while the pain may be intense, it's not enough to completely destroy the narrator. This could speak to their resilience and their ability to endure emotional pain. The uncertainty about recovering and the desire to be close to the person they love until the end signifies a deep connection and a longing for emotional closeness. The line "Sleeping inches from me, I let it pass" seems to imply that despite the anxiety and fear, the narrator chooses to stay in the situation and let it unfold rather than confronting or addressing it directly.

Overall, "Knife Going In" explores themes of anxiety, vulnerability, and the complexity of emotions in relationships. It suggests a struggle between the fear of getting hurt and the desire for emotional connection, ultimately leaving the resolution of these conflicting emotions unresolved.