Meaning of "Swim Against The Tide" by The Japanese House

The lyrics of "Swim Against The Tide" delve into themes of love, vulnerability, and the struggle for emotional independence. The opening lines "Hold me up high for a while, you always said I'd learn to cry, and you were right" convey a sense of reliance on another person for emotional support. The protagonist acknowledges their vulnerability and the ability of the other person to evoke deep emotions within them. The line "And I wept through your hold of the night" suggests a turbulent and intense emotional connection.

The longing and attachment are further explored in the lines "When you gave me something, then it feels like summer, I keep on runnin' back." The metaphor of summer symbolizes warmth, happiness, and the joy that the other person brings to the protagonist's life. Despite the challenges faced, the protagonist finds themselves continuously drawn back to this person, unable to resist their influence.

However, as the song progresses, the tone shifts to one of self-reflection and a desire for emotional growth. The line "Sit back and open wide, let me see you're dead inside" suggests a desire for transparency and authenticity in the other person, to truly see their emotions. The lyric "It's so hard to swim against the tide" conveys the difficulty of breaking away from a toxic or unfulfilling relationship.

The protagonist acknowledges their own weaknesses, stumbling and "trippin' over cracks in the road." They yearn for the other person to slow them down and bring stability to their life. The line "Spirit grows when love goes away, and I'm still thinking of a new way to say 'I miss you'" highlights the paradoxical nature of love and loss. The experience of love, even when it ends, has the power to shape and develop one's spirit. The protagonist grapples with the longing for the other person and struggles to find new ways to express their emotions.

Overall, "Swim Against The Tide" explores the complexities of love, vulnerability, and the challenge of maintaining emotional independence. The lyrics depict both the joys and pains that come with deep connections, and the internal struggle to move on and find new ways to express oneself.