We Build Then We Break

The Fray's song 'We Build Then We Break' delves into the complexities and emotional turmoil of relationships that have gone awry. The lyrics suggest a narrative of betrayal and the subsequent fallout. The opening lines, 'I don't know you but I know what you did to her / She told me and I happen to believe her too,' set the stage for a story of trust broken and the pain that follows. The speaker is addressing someone who has wronged another, and the sense of betrayal is palpable. This sets a tone of confrontation and unresolved tension.

The recurring lines, 'Hold your breath til it's over / there's something left underwater,' serve as a metaphor for the lingering issues and emotions that remain submerged beneath the surface. This imagery suggests that despite attempts to move on or ignore the problems, they persist and continue to affect those involved. The idea of holding one's breath implies a temporary state of suspension, waiting for the inevitable confrontation or resolution that has yet to come. The underwater metaphor can also symbolize the depth and weight of the unresolved issues, hinting at the emotional burden carried by the individuals.

The song also touches on the theme of consequences and accountability. Lines like 'Oh so you're sorry now / All is not well, it's not ended' and 'But if you stay gone a little longer your keys won't work' indicate that actions have repercussions, and apologies may not be enough to mend the damage done. The notion of being '2 steps behind' or '3 steps behind' suggests a sense of pursuit and inevitability, where the wrongdoer cannot escape the consequences of their actions. This creates a sense of tension and urgency, emphasizing the need for resolution and the difficulty of achieving it.