The Currents

Bastille's song "The Currents" delves into the chaotic and often overwhelming nature of contemporary discourse, particularly focusing on the impact of divisive rhetoric. The lyrics open with a metaphor of rolling up a cigarette, symbolizing a moment of contemplation about the power of words. The song suggests that we are all living in the 'currents' created by influential figures, and these currents can lead to collective mistakes and societal sinking. The repeated plea to 'stub it out' and the mention of a 'podium' indicate a call for responsibility from those who hold the power to influence public opinion.

The chorus, with its repeated lines about swimming to the surface and coming up for air, captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by the negativity and divisiveness in the current social climate. The protagonist feels nervous and needs to clear their head, symbolizing a desire to escape the toxic environment created by harmful rhetoric. The disbelief expressed in the lines "I can't believe my ears" and "I don't wanna believe my ears" underscores the shock and dismay at the irrational and dangerous ideas being propagated.

The song also includes a powerful spoken word segment that warns against those who preach disunity, highlighting the destructive consequences of such actions. This segment serves as a reminder that divisive rhetoric not only threatens individual freedom but also the very fabric of society. The repeated plea for breath and the need to fill one's lungs further emphasize the suffocating nature of the current discourse and the urgent need for a breath of fresh air, both literally and metaphorically.