How Not To Drown (feat. Robert Smith)

CHVRCHES' song 'How Not To Drown,' featuring Robert Smith, delves into the emotional and psychological struggles of feeling overwhelmed and trapped. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone trying to stay conscious while metaphorically drowning, suggesting a battle with mental health issues or overwhelming life circumstances. The opening lines, 'I'm writing a book on how to stay conscious when you drown,' set the tone for a narrative of survival and resilience, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The recurring theme of rejecting the 'crown' and the 'king' symbolizes a refusal to conform to societal expectations or pressures. The crown represents a burden rather than a reward, and the protagonist's decision to reject it highlights a desire for authenticity and self-preservation. The lines 'You promised the world / And brought me it hanging from a string' suggest betrayal and disillusionment, further emphasizing the struggle against external forces that seek to control or manipulate.

The chorus, with its haunting repetition of 'Tell me how / It's better when the Sun goes down,' reflects a sense of hopelessness and entrapment. The protagonist acknowledges that they will 'never escape this town' and 'never escape these doubts,' indicating a deep-seated feeling of being stuck in a cycle of despair. The imagery of being 'pulled down' and 'dead when they found me' underscores the intensity of these emotions, portraying a fight for survival against overwhelming odds. Ultimately, 'How Not To Drown' is a powerful exploration of resilience, self-awareness, and the struggle to maintain one's identity in the face of adversity.