Meaning of "Knocked Down" by The War On Drugs

The lyrics of "Knocked Down" convey a sense of vulnerability and the struggle to overcome obstacles. The mention of a star and diamonds in the night sky represents beauty and awe, but this beauty is contrasted with the speaker's own beaten-up and weak state. It suggests that even amidst the wonders of the world, the speaker feels defeated and vulnerable.

The repeated phrase "I want to love you but I get knocked down" reveals the speaker's desire to connect with someone or something, to experience love and joy. However, they feel constantly knocked down and unable to fully embrace these feelings. This could represent a recurring pattern in their life where they encounter setbacks and challenges that prevent them from finding happiness or fulfillment.

The line "I want to shake it but I can't break free" further emphasizes the speaker's feeling of being trapped. Despite their desire to shake off their struggles and break free from their limitations, they find themselves unable to do so. This could reflect a sense of frustration and resignation, where the speaker feels stuck in their circumstances and unable to change their situation.

The overall sentiment of the lyrics suggests a longing for freedom and the ability to love and experience joy without being constantly knocked down. It speaks to the universal human desire for happiness and fulfillment, but acknowledges the difficulties and setbacks that can make it challenging to achieve. The repetition of these themes throughout the song reinforces the speaker's yearning for a better life and their struggle to overcome adversity.