Under The Water

The Pretty Reckless' song 'Under The Water' delves into themes of despair, abandonment, and the struggle for freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances, symbolized by the recurring imagery of water. The opening lines, 'Lay my head, under the water / Lay my head, under the sea,' suggest a desire to escape or find solace in the depths, away from the harsh realities of life.

The song's protagonist grapples with feelings of abandonment and betrayal, as seen in the lines, 'Excuse me sir, am I your daughter? / Won't you take me back, take me back and see?' This plea for recognition and belonging is met with indifference, further deepening the sense of isolation. The mention of friends turning into enemies and a mother who wasn't there for her highlights the protagonist's profound sense of loneliness and lack of support.

The chorus, 'Don't let the water drag you down,' serves as a powerful reminder to resist the pull of despair. Despite the protagonist's cries for help going unanswered, as depicted in 'And though I screamed and I screamed, well no one came running,' there is a glimmer of hope in the plea to not drown in the waves. The song concludes with a haunting realization of never having been free, encapsulated in the lines, 'And when I wake from this dream, with chains all around me / No, I've never been, I've never been free.' This final admission underscores the ongoing struggle for liberation and the weight of emotional chains that bind the protagonist.

'Under The Water' is a poignant exploration of inner turmoil, the longing for connection, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. The Pretty Reckless masterfully combines raw emotion with evocative imagery, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners on a deep, emotional level.