Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Littoral” by Dowsing
“Littoral” is a powerful reflection on identity and belonging, encapsulated within the striking soundscape of Dowsing’s indie rock. The song talks about feeling trapped, filled with the frustration of a life that never quite fits properly. The title of the song refers to the littoral zone, or the coastal areas near the shoreline, suggesting an identity that doesn’t blend into the mainstream, but held further back instead.
“Littoral” begins by reflecting on the weight of self-doubt and interpersonal tension, as highlighted in the lyric, “I’m used to almost fitting… I’m unused to feeling so far.” The band’s vocals echo out through energetic and tightly composed instrumentals reminiscent of a jumbled mental landscape. The images presented within the song and soundscape suggest feelings of being overwhelmed. As the song progresses, certain aspects such as the ticking of time or heavy chords create feelings of being lost between sea and shore, speaking to the experience of a littoral identity.
The chorus carries a powerful refrain: “I’m not choosing a streak.” This suggests the feelings of the speaker unwilling to accept any standard way of life and choosing tacked-on identities instead. It embodies the core of the song, and the sense of alienation from prevalent norms. All of these elements come together to create a compelling and energetic song that speaks to a particular, but widely felt, experiences of identity and belonging. It’s a powerful portrait of trying to fit into the spaces in-between, an experience intimately familiar to many.