Underneath Us
Alvvays Lyrics

The lyrics to Alvvays’s song “Underneath Us” seem to speak about a looming sense of fear and anxiety surrounding a particular situation. The opening lines, “Say the word, I'll be there. Close your eyes, say your prayers” give the impression that something dreadful may be imminent, and that the singer is offering solace and support to someone in distress. The mood is sinister and ominous, and the repetition of “something happening underneath everything” suggests that there is an underlying tension or danger that people are sensing but cannot fully articulate.

The second verse further reinforces this impression, with the lines “Seventeen in a room, recognize, meet our doom.” It seems the singer is addressing a group of young people who are coming to understand the gravity of the situation they are in. There is a sense of fear and regret as the singer urges them to run away and not depend on anyone else. The repetition of “something happening” creates the feeling that there is a premonition of disaster, and that the young people must act quickly if they hope to survive.

In conclusion, the lyrics of “Underneath Us” suggest a feeling of impending doom, with a sense that something terrible is about to happen. The cautious, almost fearful tone of the song highlights the idea that sometimes, the most dangerous situations are those that we cannot see or fully comprehend.