Crawl

Breaking Benjamin's song 'Crawl' delves deep into the internal struggle of an individual grappling with their own identity and the toxic influences around them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels like a mere shadow of themselves, constantly holding on despite the challenges they face. This sense of perseverance is a recurring theme, as the protagonist repeatedly asserts their determination to keep going, even when life seems to restart from scratch.

The song contrasts the protagonist with another figure, characterized by 'faceless lies,' a 'weak dead heart,' and 'black dead eyes.' This figure represents deceit, emotional emptiness, and moral corruption. The protagonist acknowledges their own struggle to break free from this negative influence, recognizing that both their hope and the other person's hope are gone. The repeated refrain of 'Live, fight, crawl back inside' underscores the cyclical nature of this battle, where the protagonist is constantly pulled back into the fray, one step behind their adversary.

The lyrics also explore themes of transformation and becoming something monstrous in response to the toxic environment. The protagonist admits to becoming a monster, mirroring the very traits they despise in the other person. This transformation is both a defense mechanism and a tragic consequence of their circumstances. The song's intense imagery and emotional depth highlight the pain of losing oneself and the relentless fight to reclaim one's identity amidst overwhelming negativity.