Suffocating

Dax's song "Suffocating" delves deep into the emotional and psychological toll that fame and success can take on an individual. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who once found joy and purpose in his journey but now feels overwhelmed by the pressures and expectations that come with his status. The opening lines, "At first I couldn’t breathe / Now I'm suffocating," set the tone for the entire song, highlighting the escalating sense of entrapment and despair that Dax experiences.

Throughout the song, Dax grapples with the duality of his existence. On one hand, he acknowledges the material and social gains that come with fame, but on the other, he is acutely aware of the spiritual and emotional costs. The line "I’ve seen people gain the world but lose their souls" encapsulates this internal conflict. Dax's anxiety and isolation are further emphasized by his seclusion and reluctance to engage with the outside world, as he mentions barely answering calls and feeling truly alone despite having millions of fans.

The song also touches on the superficiality and transient nature of relationships in the world of fame. Dax laments how people see him as an "ATM" or a source of temporary enjoyment, rather than valuing him for who he truly is. This realization adds to his sense of suffocation and claustrophobia, as he feels trapped in a life that is both demanding and unfulfilling. The recurring theme of pain and the struggle to find meaning in his suffering is poignantly expressed in the lines, "If you know real pain then you see it when you look me in my eyes / I try to hide it but they do not lie." Ultimately, Dax finds a glimmer of hope in the idea that his pain could serve as a source of healing for others, even as he continues to battle his own demons.