Take Their Toll
4-4-1 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then one that remains unchanging
Like skin that's burnt by frost, it'll peel if I pull away
It hurts to hold or let go as I'm trying to sustain
Like feeling hunger pangs and eating bone to stay alive
It tears me apart inside, but it seems like the better way to get by
Like a broken hourglass, they fell
I know the toll it takes
But I won't let you go
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
There is no turning back
I can't fix what I broke
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
You're a part of me that I may never be able to repair
Like a lung that's collapsed
I'll always know that you're still there
Always surrounding my heart
Even if it rejects air
I know the toll it takes
But I won't let you go
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
There is no turning back
I can't fix what I broke
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
The true sentence I still face is one I brought upon myself
Lost in a dark cell
They said it's easiest
Just to numb yourself and let go
But these open wounds will forever feel fresh
And I refuse to let them close yet
I know the toll it takes
But I won't let you go
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
There is no turning back
I can't fix what I broke
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
I know the toll it takes
But I won't let you go
In the opening lines of "Take Their Toll," the lyrics delve into the complexity of emotional pain and the lasting impact of trauma. The imagery of a “sentence” evokes the idea of an inescapable fate or judgment that one must grapple with. The juxtaposition of a persistent experience ("one that remains unchanging") with the pain of loss and change—illustrated by the metaphor of “skin that's burnt by frost”—captures the delicate balance between attachment and the agony of letting go. The singer expresses a form of existential discomfort, where trying to maintain a connection is akin to enduring physical suffering, akin to "hunger pangs." This metaphor signifies a deep emotional hunger, suggesting that the instinct to cling to a relationship or memory, even when it causes hurt, is a fundamental human drive.
As the song progresses, a more profound introspection materializes, where the singer reflects on the gravity of the emotional burdens they carry. The broken hourglass metaphor signifies the passage of time and how moments contribute to an ever-deepening sense of despair or loss. The sand falling through the fingers symbolizes how experiences slip away and may leave one feeling trapped in their own reminiscences. The mention of the toll suggests an awareness of the emotional cost involved in holding on to memories or relationships that cannot be mended. The repetition of the line “the past I can’t replace” underscores a haunting realization that certain elements of life are immutable, reinforcing a sense of resignation while grappling with the weight of what has been lost.
The lyrics further demonstrate an acknowledgment that the singer carries an intrinsic connection to the subject of their reflection, which they equate to an irreparable part of themselves. The imagery of a “collapsed lung” highlights an element of dependency and struggle; even when something vital is impaired, its presence continues to loom. This connection permeates the singer’s heart, serving as both a reminder of what once was and a source of emotional suffocation. The line “Even if it rejects air” encapsulates the conflicting feelings of still cherishing a memory while feeling betrayed by its very existence. There's a desperation in the acceptance of this lasting bond, suggesting that the pain is woven into their identity and existence.
In the closing lines, the lyrics transition into a stark realization of self-inflicted consequences where the singer confronts the reality of their choices. “Lost in a dark cell” implies a state of isolation, and the suggestion that numbing oneself is an easier path reveals the struggle against avoidance and repression of feelings. Yet, the singer's refusal to let open wounds heal indicates a commitment to engagement with their pain rather than passing over it. The insistence on not allowing the wounds to close speaks to a conscious choice to confront suffering rather than escape from it, providing the emotional depth throughout the song. Ultimately, the refrain reiterates the ongoing battle with loss—the burden it carries, the inability to move forward, and the complex interplay of grieving while still holding on.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sentence they gave me
I've been handed a judgment or a conclusion, likely by others or society.
Then one that remains unchanging
There exists another truth or reality in my life that stays constant, regardless of circumstances.
Like skin that's burnt by frost, it'll peel if I pull away
This constant truth is as painful and sensitive as frostbitten skin, and trying to detach from it would only cause more suffering.
It hurts to hold or let go as I'm trying to sustain
I find myself in a painful struggle, whether I cling to this truth or attempt to release it, as I strive to maintain my existence.
Like feeling hunger pangs and eating bone to stay alive
My desperation is akin to the hunger that drives one to consume something inedible just to survive, illustrating the extreme measures I take to cope.
It tears me apart inside, but it seems like the better way to get by
This internal conflict is deeply painful, yet it appears to be the most viable option for navigating life's challenges.
Like a broken hourglass, they fell
The opportunities and moments I once cherished have slipped away from me, much like sand falling through a shattered hourglass.
Cutting sand through my fingers down the deepest well
These lost moments are intangible and elusive, slipping through my grasp into an abyss of regret.
I know the toll it takes
I am acutely aware of the emotional and psychological price I pay for holding onto these memories and feeling this pain.
But I won't let you go
Despite the pain, I refuse to relinquish my connection to the past or to those who have impacted my life.
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
I realize that the experiences that shape our relationship are irreplaceable and define everything you might understand about me.
There is no turning back
I acknowledge that I cannot undo the choices I've made or the path I've walked so far.
I can't fix what I broke
I resign myself to the reality that some damage is irreparable, and I must accept that.
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
Ultimately, the history and experiences we share are unchangeable and form the foundation of your understanding of me.
You're a part of me that I may never be able to repair
My connection to you is so profound that I might never reconstruct or restore it to its former state.
Like a lung that's collapsed
This sense of loss is crippling, as if a vital part of my being has failed, leaving me gasping for emotional air.
I'll always know that you're still there
Regardless of my attempts to move on, I carry the weight of your presence within me.
Always surrounding my heart
Your influence and memory continuously envelop my emotions, affecting how I feel and experience life.
Even if it rejects air
Even when my heart feels heavy and suffocated, unable to fully breathe due to this unresolved connection.
I know the toll it takes
Again, I recognize the emotional cost associated with holding onto these memories and feelings.
But I won't let you go
Despite everything, I choose to maintain our bond and cherish what we have experienced together.
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
I reiterate that our shared history cannot be changed and remains the only lens through which you perceive me.
There is no turning back
I accept the finality of my decisions and the impossibility of reverting to what once was.
I can't fix what I broke
I confront the harsh truth that some wounds cannot be mended, and I must live with the consequences.
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
This emphasizes again the irreplaceable nature of our shared experiences that define your understanding of who I am.
The true sentence I still face is one I brought upon myself
I realize that the most profound judgment I endure is the result of my own choices and actions.
Lost in a dark cell
I feel trapped in a place of despair, with no clear way out or hope visible ahead.
They said it's easiest just to numb yourself and let go
I’ve been advised that the simplest way to cope is to suppress my emotions and move on without confronting the pain.
But these open wounds will forever feel fresh
Even if I attempt to escape my feelings, the pain and hurt remain vivid and raw, never truly healing.
And I refuse to let them close yet
I choose to keep these wounds exposed, perhaps as a way of honoring the experiences that created them.
I know the toll it takes
Once more, I am conscious of the emotional burden I carry as I cling to these memories.
But I won't let you go
Still, I remain steadfast in my decision to hold onto our connection and the experiences we shared.
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
The permanence of our shared history is reiterated as the defining aspect of how you perceive reality.
There is no turning back
The realization deepens that I cannot revisit or change past decisions.
I can't fix what I broke
The acknowledgment sinks in that some fractures in life and relationships are beyond repair.
The past I can't replace is all that you'll ever know
Lastly, the message underscores the weight of our history, which will continue to shape your understanding.
I know the toll it takes
Ultimately, I am fully aware of the emotional cost of my journey.
But I won't let you go
Yet, commitment to our connection prevails, illustrating the depth of my attachment.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Tim Lambesis, Jordan Mancino, Phil Sgrosso, Nick Hipa, Josh Gilbert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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