Breaking away

Sumo's 'Breaking Away' is a song that delves into the emotional turmoil of distancing oneself from a relationship that has become enigmatic and possibly burdensome. The repetitive use of the word 'break' emphasizes the struggle and the decisive action of breaking away. The song's lyrics suggest a relationship where communication has broken down, and the protagonist is left with unanswered questions and a sense of frustration.

The verses of the song paint a picture of a partner who is mysterious and withholding, which adds to the protagonist's confusion and desire to leave. The questions posed in the lyrics ('Where is your mother, where did she go to? Was your father a sailor or a thief?') highlight the lack of knowledge and understanding between the two individuals. The protagonist feels that the other person's silence and gentleness are overwhelming, to the point where it affects their mental well-being ('I think my brain will go'). This town and room being the other person's 'temple' suggests a feeling of being trapped or suffocated in the partner's world.

The chorus reflects the complexity of emotions involved in such a relationship, where love and hate are intertwined ('That's what it takes to love you / That's what it takes to hate you too'). The decision to break away is not simple or painless, but it is portrayed as necessary for the protagonist's self-preservation. The song captures the essence of a difficult separation, where the act of leaving is both an act of self-love and an acknowledgment of the pain that the relationship has caused.