Falling Or Flying
Jorja Smith
Navigating the Heights of Love: An Analysis of Jorja Smith's 'Falling Or Flying'
Jorja Smith's song 'Falling Or Flying' delves into the complexities and uncertainties of a romantic relationship, exploring the thin line between love and lust, and the risks involved in fully committing to another person. The lyrics suggest a dialogue with a lover, where Smith expresses her desire for a genuine and intense connection, despite the potential for emotional pain. The recurring theme of 'falling' or 'flying' metaphorically represents the unpredictable nature of love, where the sensation of falling in love can be indistinguishable from the feeling of a free fall into uncertainty.
The song begins with a defiance of conventional wisdom or expectations set by parental advice, indicating a journey of self-discovery and personal choices in matters of the heart. This sets the stage for a narrative about taking risks in love, where Smith is willing to embrace the unknown rather than adhere to safety and predictability. The lyrics 'Won't work if I'm numb, Won't stop if I love' highlight her readiness to feel deeply and passionately, suggesting that a love worth experiencing is one that involves both vulnerability and intensity.
Throughout the song, Smith uses the imagery of heights as a metaphor for the emotional peaks of a relationship, where the potential for great joy is counterbalanced by the risk of great pain. The chorus, 'I could be falling, flying, I wouldn't know the difference,' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the ambiguity and confusion in distinguishing between the exhilaration of love and the fear of emotional descent. This lyrical exploration invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love's thrilling yet terrifying nature.