It Only Gets Much Worse

Nate Ruess's song 'It Only Gets Much Worse' delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the inevitable decline that follows. The opening lines set a somber tone, with the imagery of being 'born before the storm' and a mother placing 'a dozen thorns' suggesting a life predestined for hardship. The 'Sorrys and the Take it backs' lying silent in her folded hands symbolize unspoken regrets and unresolved conflicts, hinting at a troubled past that haunts the present.

The chorus, with its stark warning that 'all your love may fade away' and 'all you'll become may all go to waste,' captures the essence of the song's bleak outlook. The repetition of 'it only gets much worse' serves as a grim reminder of the relentless nature of suffering and the futility of trying to escape it. This sentiment is echoed in the verses, where moments of fleeting happiness are overshadowed by the inevitability of pain and loss. The line 'I didn't mean to let it go, I didn't mean to bruise, but I lost control' reflects the unintended consequences of actions and the helplessness that often accompanies them.

The song also explores the theme of self-destruction and the struggle to find meaning amidst chaos. The protagonist's encounter with 'neon lights' and 'eyes like yours, just different enough' suggests a search for solace in the wrong places, leading to further heartbreak. The bridge, with its defiant declaration of surviving 'the laws of gravity' and 'jaws of brevity,' highlights the resilience required to endure life's trials, even as the weight of despair threatens to pull one under. Ultimately, 'It Only Gets Much Worse' is a poignant reflection on the cyclical nature of suffering and the enduring human spirit that strives to rise above it.