Chainsmoking

Jacob Banks' song 'Chainsmoking' delves into the tumultuous and addictive nature of a toxic relationship. The metaphor of 'chainsmoking' is used to illustrate the protagonist's compulsive and destructive attachment to their partner. Just as chainsmoking is harmful to one's lungs and overall health, the love described in the song is detrimental to the protagonist's mental and emotional well-being. The repeated line 'It's getting harder to breathe' emphasizes the suffocating effect of this unhealthy love, drawing a parallel between physical suffocation and emotional entrapment.

The lyrics also touch on themes of desperation and clinging to the past. The protagonist acknowledges that their 'lease is up' and the 'bailiff's at the door,' symbolizing the end of the relationship and the inevitable consequences. Despite this, they are 'hanging on to the life we had before,' unable to let go of the memories and the love that once was. This sense of desperation is further highlighted by the line 'Although I'm black and blue, I'm begging you for more,' indicating a willingness to endure pain for the sake of holding onto the relationship.

The song also explores the duality of love and pain. The imagery of watching 'the water rise, unhindered by the shore' suggests a sense of inevitability and loss of control, while the line 'Take me on top of the world and leave me on the floor' captures the highs and lows of the relationship. The protagonist is aware of the destructive nature of their love, yet they are unable to break free, making them a 'casualty when morning comes.' This poignant portrayal of love as both intoxicating and damaging resonates deeply, capturing the essence of a relationship that is as addictive as it is harmful.