Starting today
We're on, holida-ay

Everybody sees you in the wrong way
No one else sees you my way

Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Your gazes cripple me, keep life a mystery
I don't want it to change, just keep 'em coming my way
But that's all a lie, I can't rationalize
The further I slide, I can't seem to get back to your side
'Cause you're a summer child, and I'm winter mild
I can't stay with the heat, as you blossom out around me-e

Do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do

Do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do

What if (la la la) there is (ooh)
Nothing (la la la), after thi-is

Your gazes cripple me, keep life a mystery
I don't want it to change, just keep 'em coming my way

Do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do

Do-do-do-do-do-do
Ooh, ooh
Do-do-do-do-do-do
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do

Overall Meaning

The song “The Further I Slide” by Badly Drawn Boy tells the story of a person who is in love with someone, but their love for that person is unrequited. The lyrics start with the idea of starting a new day and going on a holiday, which could be seen as a metaphor for escapism. The singer then talks about how everyone sees this person in the wrong way while only they see them the right way. This idea of being the only one who understands someone reinforces the feeling of unreciprocated love.

The chorus talks about how the singer is crippled by the gaze of this person because they want to stay in this state of longing. However, the singer knows that this is an unhealthy state of mind because the further they slide into it, the harder it is to get back to the other person's side. This idea of getting back to their side, mixed with the metaphor of the seasons (Summer/Winter) shows how the love they have for this person is unattainable, much like the changing seasons.

The bridge of the song talks about a sense of existential dread, questioning what happens after death. This gives the song even more depth, suggesting that the singer is so deeply in love with this person that the idea of a life without them is unbearable. Overall, the song is a powerful exploration of unrequited love and the dangers of becoming too attached to someone who cannot reciprocate those feelings.

Line by Line Meaning

Starting today
We are beginning a new phase in our lives

We're on, holida-ay
We are taking a break from our everyday routine

Everybody sees you in the wrong way
People have the wrong impression of you

No one else sees you my way
I am the only one who sees the real you

Your gazes cripple me, keep life a mystery
Your looks confuse and intrigue me

I don't want it to change, just keep 'em coming my way
I am addicted to your mysterious glances

But that's all a lie, I can't rationalize
My infatuation with you is irrational and not based in reality

The further I slide, I can't seem to get back to your side
The more I fall for you, the harder it is to connect with you emotionally

'Cause you're a summer child, and I'm winter mild
You are full of life and warmth, while I am calm and reserved

I can't stay with the heat, as you blossom out around me-e
I cannot handle your intense energy and enthusiasm

What if (la la la) there is (ooh)
What if there is nothing after this life