i can't breathe

Bea Miller's song 'i can't breathe' delves into the profound struggle of feeling trapped within one's own mind and body. The opening lines, 'Somebody get me a hammer / Wanna break all the clocks and the mirrors,' suggest a desire to escape the relentless passage of time and the constant self-reflection that comes with it. This imagery of breaking clocks and mirrors symbolizes a yearning to return to a simpler, more carefree time, free from the burdens of self-awareness and existential angst. The lyrics convey a sense of disconnection, as Miller sings about her body and mind being 'so distant,' highlighting the internal conflict and the feeling of being imprisoned by her own thoughts.

The recurring refrain, 'I can't breathe,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the suffocating nature of anxiety and mental distress. This phrase, repeated throughout the song, emphasizes the overwhelming sensation of being unable to find relief or peace. The repetition mirrors the cyclical nature of intrusive thoughts and the difficulty of breaking free from them. Miller's raw and emotive delivery of these lines captures the desperation and helplessness that often accompany mental health struggles.

In the lines, 'How can I live in the moment / When my thoughts never feel like my own,' Miller touches on the challenge of mindfulness and being present when one's mind is constantly plagued by negative or intrusive thoughts. This sentiment is further compounded by the admission, 'Don't know how to admit that I'm broke,' which speaks to the stigma and difficulty of acknowledging one's mental health issues. The song as a whole is a poignant exploration of the internal battles many face, and it resonates deeply with those who have experienced similar feelings of suffocation and disconnection.