Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with past hurts, finding solace in a new connection that offers a stark contrast to damaging familial patterns. The narrator reassures a hesitant companion, drawing a line between themselves and a difficult paternal figure, while acknowledging the uncontrollable forces of life, like the "wind on the water." This sets up a delicate dance of vulnerability, where the narrator tries to protect both their own "secrets inside" and the fragile trust being built.
The central tension lies in the push and pull between seeking connection and the instinct to retreat. The chorus, with its repeated "I'm hiding" and "I'm trying," captures this internal conflict. There's a conscious effort to resist despair – "won't fall yet," "won't go blind" – but the act of "hiding" suggests a deep-seated fear or a need for self-preservation that hasn't been fully overcome. This isn't a simple declaration of love, but a hesitant step forward, acknowledging the ongoing struggle.
The shift in Verse 2 is striking, moving from a paternal comparison to a maternal one, and then to a shared healing. The line "we lick each other's wounds" is a powerful image of mutual care, a stark departure from the implied damage of the past. The narrator is allowed to "run away" into "endless wonder," a space of freedom and exploration, suggesting the new relationship fosters growth rather than restriction. The repeated "let it roar" for the thunder signifies an acceptance, even an embrace, of potentially frightening elements.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their nuanced portrayal of healing and connection. The repeated "I'm trying" in the outro underscores the ongoing nature of this process. It’s not about a sudden cure, but about the persistent effort to overcome internal barriers and build something resilient, even while acknowledging the lingering need to "hide." The lyrics resonate because they capture the quiet, determined work of rebuilding trust and self-worth.