One Foot In The Grave (feat. Aaron Pauley of Mice & Men)

From Ashes To New's song "One Foot In The Grave (feat. Aaron Pauley of Mice & Men)" delves into the emotional turmoil and frustration of dealing with a toxic individual. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who drags everyone around them into their own personal chaos, symbolized by the metaphor of gravity. This person is depicted as manipulative, constantly shifting blame and evading the truth, which only deepens their isolation and the disdain others feel towards them.

The chorus, with its repeated line "It's a long way down from here," emphasizes the inevitable downfall that comes with such toxic behavior. The imagery of drowning versus living inside flames suggests a choice between two forms of suffering: being consumed by the toxic person's influence or watching them self-destruct from a distance. The song's narrator expresses a preference for the latter, indicating a desire to detach and protect themselves from further harm.

The bridge of the song introduces a moment of introspection, asking whether the toxic individual will "sink or swim" as they face the consequences of their actions. This line underscores the theme of personal responsibility and the idea that one must confront their own demons rather than dragging others down with them. The repeated refrain of "run away" serves as both a warning and a plea, highlighting the futility of trying to escape one's own destructive tendencies without genuine self-reflection and change.