Chasing It Down

Mother Mother's song 'Chasing It Down' delves into the unsettling and often uncontrollable nature of change. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how commonplace things can suddenly take on great significance, only to be swept away without warning. The opening lines suggest a world where life can turn around without one's consent, highlighting the helplessness one feels when faced with unexpected changes. This theme is further emphasized when the narrator wakes up to find that everything has changed, and the people closest to them no longer understand who they are. This sense of alienation and the struggle to be understood is a central theme in the song.

The chorus, 'Try chasin' it down, it don't wanna be found,' serves as a metaphor for the elusive nature of stability and happiness. The narrator's favorite places and people are described as being 'up in flames' or 'up for sale,' symbolizing the transient nature of joy and comfort. The bittersweet taste of life is fleeting, lasting only 'about a week before at best, gone bittersweet.' This imagery captures the frustration and futility of trying to hold onto something that is inherently temporary.

The song also touches on the idea of identity and self-perception. The mention of Abigail, whose name changes as she grows tired of it, reflects the fluidity of identity and how it evolves over time. The narrator's realization that they are not the person their friends and family think they are adds another layer to this theme. The repeated attempts to 'get back there' signify a longing for a past state of being, a time when things made sense and were easier to grasp. However, the song concludes with the acknowledgment that life is a 'one shot deal,' reinforcing the idea that change is inevitable and often beyond our control.