Composure

August Burns Red's song 'Composure' delves into the emotional turmoil and resilience required to navigate life's challenges. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with personal failures and the scars that come with them. The opening lines, 'Shake it off / Pick yourself up, they say,' suggest societal pressure to maintain a facade of strength, even when one is internally struggling. The repeated mention of scars getting deeper indicates that these struggles are not new, but rather recurring battles that leave lasting marks.

The song's chorus, 'It seems like you're giving up / Giving up on everything you worked for,' captures the essence of despair and the feeling of being overwhelmed. The imagery of quicksand and something gripping around the throat symbolizes the suffocating nature of these struggles, making it difficult to see a way out. However, the song also offers a glimmer of hope, urging the listener not to 'turn your back on the strongest crutch you've ever had.' This line suggests that there are support systems—whether friends, family, or inner strength—that can help brace one's fall and provide the necessary support to keep going.

The closing lines, 'Wave goodbye to the past / You've got your whole life to lead,' serve as a powerful reminder that the future holds endless possibilities. It's a call to action to move forward, gain ground, and not let past failures define one's life. The song's message is clear: while life can be overwhelming, resilience and support can help one overcome even the deepest scars. August Burns Red, known for their metalcore style, effectively uses intense musical elements to amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics, making 'Composure' a compelling anthem for anyone facing life's adversities.