​keep my head afloat (stripped.)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a precarious, exhilarating moment, possibly on a plane, where the narrator feels both detached and intensely present. There's a sense of being "so damn high," a literal and metaphorical elevation that blurs the lines of reality and desire. The narrator admits to not knowing the other person but expresses a clear want to connect, suggesting a spontaneous, almost reckless embrace of the unknown. The central tension lies in the juxtaposition of potential disaster and a surprising sense of calm. The narrator states, "if this plane fell to the water I'm okay," a bold declaration that frames the entire experience. This isn't about fear of falling, but rather a willingness to "ride the waves" and let things "float away." The "feels in the open" are presented as the "reasons I've been afraid," implying a past struggle with vulnerability that is now being confronted. The repeated phrase "keep my head afloat" acts as an anchor amidst the lyrical imagery of oceanic movement and potential submersion. It's a mantra of self-preservation, not through fighting the current, but by maintaining a state of buoyancy. This contrasts with the idea of "wasting all of our days," suggesting that even in a seemingly unproductive or chaotic state, there's a method to staying present and not succumbing to overwhelming emotions or circumstances. What makes these lyrics resonate is the raw, unfiltered expression of embracing uncertainty. The narrator isn't trying to control the situation but rather to navigate it with a newfound resilience. The stripped-down nature of the track likely amplifies this feeling of directness, making the listener feel privy to a moment of profound, albeit risky, emotional surrender and self-assurance.