Wallows

Tommy Docherty's song "Wallows" delves deep into the emotional turmoil of a broken relationship and the subsequent self-reflection that follows. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with feelings of emptiness and regret. The recurring metaphor of a "hollow chest" symbolizes a profound sense of loss and emotional void, suggesting that the protagonist feels incomplete or lacking in some essential way. This hollowness is contrasted with the idea of playing pretend, indicating a struggle to maintain a facade of normalcy despite the inner turmoil.

The song also explores themes of unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities. The lines "If I had changed, would you have followed?" and "I chose hate and I chose sadness" reflect a deep sense of regret and self-blame. The protagonist acknowledges their role in the relationship's downfall, admitting to choices that led to their current state of despair. The mention of a "heart made out of plastic" further emphasizes the artificiality and emotional numbness that the protagonist feels, resorting to alcohol to cope with the pain.

Docherty's lyrics also touch on the idea of magic and tragedy in relationships. The phrase "You always said that this was magic" juxtaposed with "I knew losing you was tragic" highlights the contrast between the initial enchantment of the relationship and the devastating loss that followed. The protagonist's inability to feel the pain of this loss suggests a deep-seated emotional disconnect, further isolating them in their wallows. Ultimately, the repeated plea of "I don't wanna waste another day in the wallows" signifies a desire for change and a yearning to break free from this cycle of despair, seeking time and space to heal and move forward.