We Carry On

Portishead's 'We Carry On' delves into the complexities of human perseverance amidst life's relentless challenges. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of an individual grappling with the overwhelming nature of existence. The opening lines, 'The taste of life I can't describe, It's choking on my mind,' suggest a profound sense of suffocation and confusion. This metaphor of 'choking' on life indicates an intense struggle to process and cope with the myriad experiences and emotions that life throws at us.

The recurring phrase 'I carry on' serves as a mantra of resilience, highlighting the protagonist's determination to keep moving forward despite the internal turmoil. However, the repetition of 'underneath my mind' and 'I tell myself, It's this I can't disguise' reveals a deep-seated conflict. The individual is putting on a brave face, but beneath the surface, there is a constant battle with doubt and uncertainty. This duality of outward perseverance and inner struggle is a central theme in the song.

The lines 'Holding on to my heart, I bleed the taste of life' and 'No place is safe, Can't you see the taste of life?' further emphasize the emotional toll of this journey. The imagery of bleeding suggests a raw, visceral pain, while the notion that 'no place is safe' underscores a pervasive sense of insecurity and instability. Portishead's haunting melodies and Beth Gibbons' evocative vocals amplify the song's themes, creating an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection. 'We Carry On' is a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of life's relentless pressures and uncertainties.