Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Blame” by Air Traffic Controller
Blame by Air Traffic Controller is a reflective song about taking responsibility for past mistakes and choices. The narrator of the song acknowledges that they have made decisions that resulted in heartache and difficulty on their current journey. They deem it their own fault and understand they possess the power to make better decisions moving forward. The song begins with a flurry of guilt and regret and slowly progresses into a mantra of self-forgiveness and acceptance.
The narrator refers to the theme of blaming oneself for past struggles with lyrics such as, “So much of me wants to blame, myself” and “Its cutting deep, to blame myself.” These words represent a cycle of blaming oneself for past decisions so strongly that it is not only psychologically straining, but almost painful. The idea of self-blame is again seen with the chorus, “When I fall, when I blame, I’m the only one to blame.” Though the narrator is still feeling pain from their mistakes, they make the powerful epiphany that, although mistakes are a part of life, no one person can and should be blamed for its outcome, as everyone is responsible for their own decisions and their own journey.
The second verse speaks to the idea of empowerment. The narrator begins to realize that taking responsibility for their actions is actually a sign of strength and courage. The tone of this verse shifts from regret to assurance as we hear lyrics such as “its okay, I’m gonna keep using my voice” and “I’m gonna fight, use my sight, it’s gonna be alright.” These words indicate that this narrator knows that if they just accept fault, own their choices and push forward, they will arrive at a place of peace and greater understanding.
Overall, Blame is a song of personal growth and empowerment. It is a reminder that life will always have its ups and downs, but it’s ultimately up to us to determine how we respond to our mistakes and the life that we create for ourselves.