Cycles

The song 'Cycles' by Catch Your Breath delves deep into the emotional turmoil of growing up in a dysfunctional and neglectful household. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a childhood marred by invisibility and emotional neglect, where the protagonist feels unseen and unheard. The house is metaphorically described as 'full of ghosts,' indicating a lack of warmth, love, and genuine human connection. The recurring nightmares and cold stares symbolize the constant emotional distress and isolation experienced by the protagonist.

The chorus reveals a desperate longing for a different past, one where the parental figure would have made an effort to provide safety, love, and understanding. This yearning for a nurturing environment highlights the deep scars left by the neglect and broken promises. The repeated phrase 'I wish you tried' underscores the pain of unfulfilled potential and the emotional void left by the parent's failure to provide the necessary support and affection.

The song also addresses the cyclical nature of this emotional pain. The protagonist feels trapped in an 'endless cycle' of broken promises and emotional numbness. The repetition of phrases like 'brought up in pain' and 'now I feel nothing' emphasizes the lasting impact of this neglect. The final lines, 'Dead and gone, is the only thing that I've become,' poignantly capture the sense of loss and the emotional death that results from such a toxic environment. The song is a powerful expression of the long-term effects of emotional neglect and the struggle to break free from the cycle of pain.