Crawl by Breaking Benjamin Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Depths of Inner Struggle and Resilience
Lyrics
I am nothing less
I am holding on
Still holding on
And every now and then
Life begins again
I am holding on
Still holding on
I’m not like you
Your faceless lies
Your weak, dead heart
Your black dead eyes
I’ll make it through
But not this time
Your hope is gone
And so is mine
Live! Fight!
Crawl back inside!
Sick! Blind!
Love left behind
And I won’t live your weak wicked lie
You pull me in
I’m one step behind
Show me where it hurts
And I will make it worse
Are you holding on?
Keep holding on
Dilated eyes
Shine for one last time
Are you holding on?
Keep holding on
You’re not like me
Your faceless lies
Your weak, dead heart
Your black dead eyes
I’ll break you in
And let this die
Your hope is gone
And so is mine
Live! Fight!
Crawl back inside!
Sick! Blind!
Love left behind
And I won’t live your weak wicked lie
You pulled me in
I’m one step behind
I’m becoming a monster
Just like you
After it all
You’ll try to break me too
Falling forever
Chasing dreams
I brought you to life
So I can hear you scream
Live! Fight!
Crawl back inside!
Sick! Blind!
Love left behind
And I won’t live your weak wicked lie
You pulled me in
I’m one step behind
I’m one step behind
I’m one step behind
At the core of Breaking Benjamin’s raw and riveting track, ‘Crawl,’ lies a gripping narrative of endurance amidst a tumultuous inner battle. The poignant lyrics channel a visceral energy that drives through the veil of facade, laying bare the struggle between personal strength and the external forces seeking to stifle it.
The potency of the song’s message resonates with the haunted melody and the anguished vocals of lead singer Benjamin Burnley, painting a sonic landscape where listeners can find echoes of their battles. What follows is an exploration of the layers within ‘Crawl,’ a song that is as emotionally charged as it is thematically rich.
The Struggle Against An Oppressive Force
Embedded within the gripping verses of ‘Crawl,’ a fierce battle rages against an oppressive entity. The shadow of a man, as the lyrics begin, is more than just a metaphor—it is a reflection of the diminished self, one that is still persistently ‘holding on’ despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
This adversity is characterised by ‘faceless lies’ and ‘weak, dead heart,’ the anonymous nature of which suggests a struggle with a societal, internal, or possibly even an intimate relationship that has turned sour. It is a familiar war cry against the dehumanizing and soul-crushing elements that we often face.
Echoes of Resilience in Repetition
The mantra-like repetition of the phrase ‘holding on’ becomes more than just a lyrical choice; it is a declaration of stubborn resilience. Each iteration is not just a reminder to the self, but it also serves as an anthem for those clinging to the vestiges of hope in a backdrop of despair.
The juxtaposition of ‘holding on’ and the admission that ‘hope is gone’ further presents a paradoxical state—an existential push-and-pull that could also represent the human condition itself. It’s the duality of giving in and yet not giving up that offers a nuanced glimpse into our deepest struggles.
The Haunting Catharsis of Devastating Honesty
Breaking Benjamin doesn’t shy away from raw honesty in their music, and ‘Crawl’ is no exception. There’s a cathartic release in admitting ‘Your hope is gone and so is mine,’ recognizing the shared demise of dreams that once stood as pillars of purpose. It relinquishes a facade of strength for a moment of vulnerable truth.
In the pursuit of catharsis, the song lays a groundwork not just for the articulation of pain, but also for the eventual healing that follows. By acknowledging the hurt and ‘making it worse,’ there’s an implication that facing the pain head-on is the first step towards overcoming it.
A Monster Born from Adversity: The Song’s Hidden Meaning
‘I’m becoming a monster, just like you’—so goes the profound confession that crowns the song. Yet, this acknowledgment is not a surrender, but a transformation being born out of adversity. It marks the point where the victim begins mirroring the oppressor, suggesting that the true battle is against becoming what one despises.
Amidst the high-octane energy of the song, this line signifies a pivotal turn where the narrator recognizes the infectious nature of negativity and its ability to transform. It’s not just a personal revelation; it is a commentary on the cyclical nature of abuse and the colossal effort it takes to break that cycle.
Memorable Lines That Cut Deep: ‘You pulled me in, I’m one step behind’
The stark admission ‘You pulled me in, I’m one step behind’ encapsulates the essence of feeling powerless, yet on the brink of reclaiming lost ground. It emphasizes the gravity of being caught in a situation where control feels just out of reach, a sentiment that’s both universal and deeply personal.
The lyric resonates with anyone who has experienced the sensation of being trapped by another’s influence, or even their life circumstances. The haunting beauty of this line lies in its simplicity and the deeply relatable feeling of being ensnared yet constantly striving to move beyond the grasp of what holds one back.
