Fish On Land
070 Shake
Struggling to Breathe: The Emotional Depth of 'Fish On Land' by 070 Shake
070 Shake's 'Fish On Land' is a poignant exploration of emotional abandonment and the feeling of being out of place. The recurring metaphor of being left 'like a fish on land' vividly captures the sense of suffocation and helplessness that comes with a broken relationship. Just as a fish cannot survive out of water, the narrator feels unable to thrive without the emotional support of their partner. This imagery is powerful in conveying the depth of their despair and the unnatural state they find themselves in after being left behind.
The repetition of lines like 'Maybe we should stop now' and 'What we gonna do this for' suggests a cycle of doubt and questioning that often accompanies the end of a relationship. The narrator is caught in a loop, unsure of how to move forward and questioning the purpose of continuing in a situation where love no longer exists. This repetition emphasizes the internal struggle and the difficulty of breaking free from a toxic cycle.
In the latter part of the song, 070 Shake delves into themes of identity and belonging. Lines like 'Sometimes I get stuck in another moment' and 'It feels like I just don’t belong' reflect a broader existential crisis. The narrator is not only grappling with the end of a relationship but also with their place in the world. The mention of a 'metaphorical gun' and 'speaking in tongues' adds layers of complexity, suggesting a battle with inner demons and the search for truth. The song ultimately portrays a journey of self-discovery and the painful process of coming to terms with one's reality.