Swim

Reneé Rapp's song 'Swim' delves into the complexities and emotional turbulence of a romantic relationship that feels both intoxicating and suffocating. The recurring metaphor of swimming represents the struggle to stay afloat amidst overwhelming emotions. The lyrics 'Swim, swim, swim as fast as you can' suggest a desperate attempt to keep moving forward, despite the challenges and fears that arise in the relationship.

The song's verses paint a vivid picture of sleepless nights and internal conflict. The line 'I took the medicine, but I'm up in the middle of the night again' indicates a futile attempt to find peace or escape from the turmoil. The comparison of thoughts to 'soft as snow' juxtaposes the gentle, almost serene nature of these thoughts with the heavy, slow feeling they bring, highlighting the paradox of love that is both comforting and burdensome.

Rapp also explores the darker side of love, where dreams turn into nightmares and feelings of fear and confusion dominate. The reference to 'waterboarding' as something that 'felt so good at first' is a stark metaphor for how something initially pleasurable can become torturous. The allusion to Juliet and the idea of preferring death over confusion underscores the intensity and desperation felt in the relationship. The song's refrain, urging to 'swim as fast as you can,' encapsulates the urgency and relentless effort to navigate through the emotional chaos.

'Every night I sleep underwater' and 'follow you like lamb to a slaughter' further emphasize the sense of being submerged in the relationship, unable to escape its grip. The song captures the essence of a love that is both beautiful and terrifying, a journey that requires constant effort to stay afloat and survive the emotional waves.