Open Wounds

In 'Open Wounds,' Crooked Lines delves into the complexities and emotional turmoil of a failing relationship. The song opens with a depiction of a stalemate, where the couple cannot find common ground. The woman acknowledges that they don't fit together, while the man struggles to make things work, only to find himself mired in doubt. This initial conflict sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the emotional scars left by their relationship.

The lyrics poignantly describe the man's quest for answers and his realization that letting go of the pain might be the only way forward. The metaphor of 'open wounds and healing souls' captures the ongoing struggle to move past the hurt. The man’s attempts to 'kill her inside himself' with the wrong medicines symbolize futile efforts to erase the past, which remains an indelible part of him, likened to 'the pearl inside the shell.' This imagery suggests that the past, with all its pain, is an intrinsic part of his identity.

The chorus repeats the theme of 'open wounds and healing souls,' emphasizing the cyclical nature of their emotional pain. The man is 'roaming love again,' indicating a search for new love while still grappling with old wounds. The woman, on the other hand, is 'downing love again,' perhaps suggesting a different coping mechanism. The final lines reveal her internal conflict, as she couldn't bear the weight of a nightmare despite claiming to live a dream. This contrast highlights the dissonance between outward appearances and inner realities, a common theme in relationships that have gone awry.