I remember when you cried
With your eyes on fire
With the gale in your lungs,
Screamed your throat red
But now it's getting colder…
What happened to you?
You're on your deathbed
I remember when you laughed
With the sunlight on your lips
Sun rising high
On your early morning smile
But you're not waking up this time…
Breathless cries over lifeless eyes

Your body is here, but you're not

That thing that screamed with me
And dreamed with me
That thing that laughed with me
And cried with me
That same thing lies before me
On this deathbed
But where are you?

You're not on your deathbed

Overall Meaning

The song "Deathbed" by 108 is a poignant reflection on the loss of a loved one. The lyrics describe the stark contrast between the memory of the person's life and vitality, and the inevitable physical decay of their body as they approach death. The first verse recalls the person's passionate emotions, as they cried with their "eyes on fire" and "screamed [their] throat red," juxtaposed with the present reality of their "getting colder" on their deathbed. The second verse speaks to the joy the person once brought to life, with their laughter and morning smile, and the devastation of them no longer waking up.

Throughout the song, the singer struggles to reconcile the physical presence of their loved one's body with the person they remember. They describe the person as a "thing" that once laughed, dreamed, and cried with them, now lying "breathless" with "lifeless eyes." The final lines of the chorus, "But where are you? / You're not on your deathbed," express the profound sense of loss and confusion that accompanies the death of a loved one.

Overall, the lyrics of "Deathbed" are a powerful expression of grief and the struggle to come to terms with the finality of death. The song is a beautiful tribute to those who have passed and a reminder to cherish the memories of those we love.

Line by Line Meaning

I remember when you cried
I remember a time when you were upset and crying

With your eyes on fire
Your eyes were full of emotion

With the gale in your lungs,
You were screaming with all your might

Screamed your throat red
Your screaming caused your throat to become red

But now it's getting colder...
Things have become colder and less emotional

What happened to you?
Something has changed, and I am not sure what it is

You're on your deathbed
You are near the end of your life

I remember when you laughed
I remember a time when you were happy and laughing

With the sunlight on your lips
The sunlight was shining on your face

Sun rising high
The sun was rising in the sky

On your early morning smile
You were smiling in the morning