Their sound is a mix of indie rock and electronic music, most recently integrating organic sounds into their music. Friends since the age of fourteen, Athlete have wide-ranging influences that include Grandaddy and Flaming Lips.
On And On
Athlete Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And if there is nobody then I might as well give up
But I don't wanna go there 'cause I dived right in ten years ago
And ever since then I've been swimming after something I don't know
Part of me feels that I could run for miles
And part of me feels that it's too hard to try
I'm not so sure if there's a way over
I just got your message saying there's no-one to trust
And if there is nobody then I might as well give up
But I don't wanna go there 'cause I dived right in ten years ago
And ever since then I've been swimming after something I don't know
I just got your message saying there's no-one to trust
And if there is nobody then I might as well give up
But I don't wanna go there 'cause I dived right in ten years ago
And ever since then I've been swimming after something I don't know
I just got your message saying
I just got your message saying
And if there is nobody then I might as well give up
I just got your message saying
Swimming after something
Swimming after something
The song On and On by Athlete is a poignant reflection on the inner turmoil and doubts one faces when feeling lost and without direction. The opening lines express a message received from someone close, possibly a friend or lover, where they claim that there is no one to trust. The singer of the song reflects on these words and realises that if indeed there is no one to trust, then what is the point of trying at all. However, they immediately reject this idea, not wanting to give up on their beliefs and dreams. It becomes clear that the singer struggles with a sense of purposelessness and feels like they've been swimming after something they cannot grasp for ten years.
The chorus of the song suggests a conflict within the singer, where one part of them wants to keep striving and pushing through obstacles while another part feels defeated and wants to give up. They are unsure if there's a way over the hurdles that stand in their way, but they're aware that it's just out of reach, though not completely unreachable.
In conclusion, the song On and On evokes feelings of wrestling with self-doubt, and the lyrics hint at a sense of longing for direction and meaning in life. The song is a reminder to keep going even when you feel lost and defeated because there's always a way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I just got your message saying there's no-one to trust
I received your message stating there is nobody reliable to rely on for support.
And if there is nobody then I might as well give up
In the absence of trustworthiness, there is no point in continuing to strive for my goals.
But I don't wanna go there 'cause I dived right in ten years ago
Although I am uncertain of my path forward, I do not want to abandon my previous commitments and efforts over the past decade.
And ever since then I've been swimming after something I don't know
Since then, I have been pursuing an unknown ambition, putting forth effort without a clear direction or purpose.
Part of me feels that I could run for miles
A portion of me senses the ability to achieve more success than previously expected.
And part of me feels that it's too hard to try
However, I also experience reluctance due to the potential challenges and difficulties of attempting to fulfill these ambitions.
I'm not so sure if there's a way over
Uncertainty lingers, and I am unsure of the existence or accessibility of a feasible path forward.
Just out of reach, but not impossible
While it may seem difficult to achieve success at this time, the goals and aspirations are still within reach and not beyond possibility.
Swimming after something
Continuing to exert effort and pursue an unknown ambition.
I just got your message saying
Reiterating the previous message received, highlighting the distress caused by the lack of trustworthy individuals.
Contributed by Lila V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Axel V.
Super interesting perspective, great content!
ThinkBefore YouType
Exactly. I was glued to it. Definitely, one of the best videos. Glad they do what they do.
Ashtin Larkin
Literally had the same experience in college as Akim. The first thoughts were don’t respond as the “angry black woman.” Such a disappointing feeling and sad those are our first thoughts.
Purp Roland
And the fact that I still tell myself that is sickening like wtf everyone gets angry
Rayzajw
I got in trouble at work cause I disagreed with what someone said at a team brief. They said that it felt like I bullied them. I didn't apologize for what I said I apologized for how I said it and how I made them feel. I'm lucky to be a part of a union cause I wouldn't have a job rn without them. It happens everyday. I always wondered why my mom said I had a temper even though my peers had way worse of a temper than me. I pray my son can have the same benefit they do
Dorme Cooper
Great conversation. Would love to hear more from each of them
London Fuller
I’m the only black girl on my college volleyball team and it’s so difficult to have conversations with teammates and “friends” about my struggle in school and sports and I always feel like I can’t really brag about my accomplishments just to not feel arrogant. I hide my depression with a smile and it’s been very difficult to hide my emotions
PaperCranes
Not only is this an important topic that I’m glad is being talked about here, but the quality of how this video was made and edited is great.
Joel Rubin
Amazing conversation🔥🔥🔥
ThinkBefore YouType
This was amazing segment.