Meaning of "Ripped Away" by This Wild Life

The lyrics of "Ripped Away" delve into the emotional journey of self-realization, regret, and heartbreak. The artist confronts their own dishonesty and lack of trustworthiness in a relationship, acknowledging that their words might have been lies. They question their own character and integrity, recognizing that they have become someone they despise. The repeated confession of being reckless with their partner's love highlights their own awareness of their shortcomings and failure to provide the love and care their partner deserved. They admit that they never gave enough, suggesting a lack of effort and commitment in the relationship.

The chorus serves as a lamentation on the consequences of their actions. The artist expresses the feeling of losing everything, being stripped away from their partner's life. They feel the weight of their heart, burdened by the absence of their loved one. Their eyes are swollen, perhaps from crying, indicating the depth of their sorrow and longing. The repetition of "ripped away from me" emphasizes the irreparable damage caused by their behavior. They recognize their inability to meet the partner's expectations or become the person they desire them to be, indicating a deep sense of disappointment and self-disgust.

The artist also acknowledges their lack of strength to confess their wrongdoing and face the consequences. They feel weak and hurt, unable to look their partner in the face due to shame and guilt. The mention of the lack of spine to go to their partner's place suggests a fear of confrontation or rejection, further expressing their shortcomings in communication and vulnerability.

The final verse explores the consequences of their actions and the possibility of forgiveness. The artist questions what they can do or say to make amends, but they believe it would be too soon for their partner to forgive them. This demonstrates their understanding of the severity of their mistakes and the time it will take to rebuild trust and repair the relationship, if possible. The repetition of the line "Well is it all slipping away from me" reflects their fear of losing everything they hold dear.

Overall, "Ripped Away" is a powerful introspection of a person who recognizes their dishonesty, lack of effort, and failure to meet their partner's needs. It depicts the pain, regret, and longing that accompanies the loss of a significant relationship, and the realization that they can never be what their partner wanted them to be.