The Silence

Bastille's song "The Silence" delves into the profound struggle of communication and the weight of unspoken words. The lyrics invite the listener to share their personal history, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's experiences and emotions. The opening lines, "Tell me a piece of your history / That you're proud to call your own," set the stage for a narrative that values the power of storytelling and the impact it has on both the speaker and the listener. The imagery of swimming in stories and being pulled down by their tide suggests that these shared experiences can be overwhelming, yet they are essential for connection and understanding.

The recurring theme of hitting a wall symbolizes the barriers that prevent effective communication. The lines "Now you've hit a wall and it's not your fault / My dear, my dear, my dear" convey empathy and understanding, acknowledging that these obstacles are often beyond one's control. The song challenges the notion of being "dumbstruck" and urges the listener to find the words to break through the silence. The repeated question, "Can you fill the silence?" underscores the urgency and necessity of overcoming these barriers to foster meaningful dialogue.

The chorus emphasizes that silence is not enough and that words are crucial for connection and healing. The plea, "You must have the words in that head of yours," highlights the belief that everyone has something valuable to share, even if it takes effort to articulate. The song also touches on the idea that naming and confronting one's struggles can diminish their power, as seen in the lines, "If you give it a name, then it's already won." Ultimately, "The Silence" is a powerful reminder of the importance of communication, the courage it takes to share one's story, and the transformative impact of breaking through the walls that silence us.