Inflight
Catfish And The Bottlemen
The Struggle for Stability in 'Inflight' by Catfish And The Bottlemen
Catfish And The Bottlemen's song 'Inflight' delves into the internal conflict of a person grappling with the desire for stability while being caught in a whirlwind of chaotic emotions and circumstances. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is trying to sober up and find their footing, only to be constantly pulled back by the unpredictability of life. The opening lines, 'I was sobering up when the weather turned me / Into this medicine,' suggest a moment of clarity interrupted by external forces, symbolizing how life’s unpredictability can derail personal progress.
The recurring theme of wanting to 'stop' but finding it 'ain’t easy' highlights the struggle between the desire for a settled life and the allure of a more reckless, spontaneous existence. The protagonist dreams of 'getting some girl and settling down / At some place you love,' which represents a longing for normalcy and comfort. However, this dream is juxtaposed with the reality of their current lifestyle, filled with impulsive decisions and fleeting moments of pleasure, such as 'sex in the bathroom.' This contrast underscores the difficulty of breaking free from a cycle of instability.
The line 'Ain't it funny how things work out / When you’re leaving tonight' encapsulates the bittersweet nature of change and the irony of timing. It suggests that just as the protagonist is on the verge of making a significant change, life throws another curveball, making it harder to leave behind old habits. The song captures the essence of a tumultuous journey towards self-improvement and the constant battle between the desire for a better future and the pull of the present's temptations.