scared by Jeremy Zucker Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Depths of Vulnerability

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Jeremy Zucker's scared at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

Don’t move, there’s a lion next to you
I pray that your soul survives it through another day
‘Cause in my dreams, there were angels circling
I could see everything you ever wanted me to be

I see oceans in your eyes
It makes me scared
So if we both drown

Ooh, don’t be scared
I’m right here
And what is fear
When no one knows
What comes next?
So yeah, I’m scared
But I won’t let it get to me

You know I’ve been writing you a poem
So I spoke all the words I ever wanted you to know

I see oceans in your soul
It makes me scared
So if we both drown

Ooh, don’t be scared
I’m right here
And what is fear
When no one knows
What comes next?
So yeah, I’m scared
But I won’t let it get to me

The fabric of music is woven with threads of emotion, and every so often, a song comes along that tugs at these threads with an earnest grip. Jeremy Zucker’s ‘scared’ is a hauntingly intimate portrait of vulnerability, rendered through poetic lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. It’s a song that feels like a confessional, a heart-to-heart between the artist and the listener that resonates with the uncertainty and fear innate to the human experience.

But to merely call ‘scared’ a ballad of vulnerability does not do justice to the layers Zucker peels back throughout the song. There’s a deeper exploration at play here — of love, existential dread, and the search for meaning within the chaos of our daily lives. Let’s dive into the poignant world Zucker creates and decipher the complexities of fear, connection, and the human spirit as illustrated in his lyrical odyssey.

A Lion Lies in Wait: The Imminence of Fear

The opening line sets a tone of imminent danger: ‘Don’t move, there’s a lion next to you.’ It immediately places the listener in a state of heightened alertness, invoking the primal fear of being hunted. Yet, this lion is a metaphor, a representation of life’s inevitable challenges and the dread that lurks around every corner. The song does not ask us to escape the lion but to hope for the survival of the soul through another day, to confront the fear that is as much a part of life as breathing.

Zucker’s invocation of this metaphor serves as a reminder of our shared vulnerability. Fear is not a solitary emotion to be locked away but a collective experience that binds us. The ‘lion’ becomes a symbol of the fears we all face, and Zucker’s plea for the soul’s preservation is a rallying cry for resilience against the uncertainties of life.

Oceanic Eyes and Souls: The Vastness of Emotional Connection

The reiterative imagery of oceans in ‘scared’ speaks to the depth and intensity of human emotions. ‘I see oceans in your eyes’ and ‘I see oceans in your soul’ convey a sense of immensity that is both beautiful and terrifying. These lines suggest an overwhelming force of feeling that can both nurture and destroy, paralleling the way that love and connection can bring us to states of immense joy and profound fear.

The recurring motif of drowning alongside another person in these emotional ‘oceans’ is a powerful declaration of commitment. It acknowledges the risk inherent in opening one’s heart while also accepting that shared vulnerability can lead to a deeper bond. This willingness to embrace fear for the sake of connection is a testament to the multifaceted nature of human relationships.

The Ephemeral Nature of Fear: Finding Solace in Uncertainty

Zucker invites the listener to question the essence of fear itself: ‘And what is fear / When no one knows / What comes next?’ There’s a recognition of the unknown ahead and an understanding that fear often stems from this uncertainty. However, rather than presenting fear as a roadblock, he frames it as an inevitable component of the human journey, one that must be acknowledged but not surrendered to.

By admitting, ‘So yeah, I’m scared,’ Zucker humanizes himself, stripping away any pretense of bravado. His decision to follow this admission with a defiant ‘But I won’t let it get to me’ serves as an affirmation of resilience. It encourages the listener to face their fears with courage, recognizing that while fear is an integral part of life, it need not define our actions or our paths.

Literary Confessions: The Romantic’s Playlist to the Soul

The obsessive nature of love and the desire to be wholly known by another is encapsulated in the lines ‘You know I’ve been writing you a poem / So I spoke all the words I ever wanted you to know.’ This is an artistic confession that evokes images of a romantic tirelessly scripting their affection and yearning to convey every nuanced emotion within the chamber of their heart.

This vulnerable act of sharing one’s deepest thoughts and feelings through poetry is both intimate and terrifying. It exposes the writer to the possibility of rejection or misunderstanding. Yet, it is through this exposure that Zucker suggests we find true connection. The act of baring one’s soul is a daring leap into the oceans of intimacy, revealing a bravery that comes not from the absence of fear but from the power of profound love.

The Resonance of the Resilient: Memorable Lines Echoing Through the Halls of Courage

Amidst the weave of ‘scared,’ certain lines cling to the memory, serving as mantras for those who face the onslaught of life’s myriad fears. ‘Ooh, don’t be scared / I’m right here’ offers a shoulder in the darkness, a companionship that promises support in the face of life’s lions and rough seas. It’s a reminder that no one has to face their fears in isolation—that there is strength to be drawn from the presence of another.

Furthermore, Zucker’s ‘So if we both drown’ is a statement of unity in vulnerability. It is potent in its simplicity, demonstrating an acceptance of the worst-case scenario while also implying that if such a fate is to be met, at least it will be met together. This line epitomizes the human desire for togetherness even in despair and grounds the song in a message of shared humanity that resonates with listeners long after the music has faded.