Terrified

Austin Prince's song 'Terrified' delves into the complex emotions surrounding vulnerability and the fear of genuine love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is grappling with the internal conflict of wanting to be open and honest while simultaneously feeling the need to protect themselves. The opening lines, 'I should be guarded / Not supposed to be honest,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the societal expectations of playing hard to get and concealing true feelings. This internal struggle is further emphasized when the narrator admits to crying at the end of a book, a metaphor for the emotional impact of letting one's guard down.

The recurring question, 'Is it too right? / Is it too real?' reflects the narrator's uncertainty and fear of the intensity of their feelings. They were 'just getting used to being alone,' indicating a period of self-imposed isolation or healing from past wounds. The fear of 'the light' symbolizes the fear of stepping out of the comfort zone of solitude and into the vulnerability that comes with truly loving someone. This metaphorical light represents the potential for happiness and connection but also the risk of pain and disappointment.

The song's chorus, with its repetition of 'Is this real?' underscores the narrator's disbelief and anxiety about the authenticity of their emotions. The line 'All this ache in my chest don't leave room for no one's advice' suggests that the narrator is overwhelmed by their feelings, unable to seek or accept guidance. The raw honesty in the lyrics, combined with the imagery of 'wine from a broken glass' and 'staining the pages with hands that were shaking,' conveys a sense of fragility and the uncontrollable nature of emotions. 'Terrified' is a poignant exploration of the fear and beauty of opening oneself up to love, capturing the essence of human vulnerability in a deeply relatable way.