Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: ska
Song Meaning of “Drowning” by The English Beat
“Drowning” by The English Beat is a song about feeling like you are being overwhelmed by negative emotions and the stresses of life. The lyrics describe feelings of helplessness and being “in over [our] heads,” like being in a deep river and being pulled further and further down despite trying to fight the current and stay afloat. These struggles can make life seem like a never-ending battle against unseen forces in a futile attempt to stay afloat, evoking an intense sense of desperation while falling deeper and deeper into what can be perceived by some as the abyss of life.
The song also speaks of the effects of modern society, especially in terms of its frenetic pace and the call to always be at the top of one’s game. The thought that one has to be constantly performing in order to remain competitive can leave many feeling like they are “drowning” under the pressure, unable to keep up and to make it to the safe shores of life.
In the end though, “Drowning” is an uplifting song about redemption and hope. The beat and melody remind us that, although life can be challenging and full of obstacles, we still have to fight for our dreams and never give up. So despite the overwhelming feeling of being ‘drowning,’ we remain strong and can eventually make it to the shore. As the lyrics say, sometimes all we can do is “take a deep breath and break the surface.”