Under the Tide
CHVRCHES Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm watching you run
Run from the sidelines

Take in a breath
Fill in your lungs
Keeping you alive

No fear
I'll be your eyes
I'll be a lifeline

And if I can be
I'll be your strength
And it won't be long now

Head up, head up
Keep holding, holding
Your head up, head up
Keep holding

If you can see
And you believe
Why are you so scared

But if you don't care
Then why are we here
And what do you have left

Head up, head up
Keep holding, holding
Your head up, head up
Keep holding, holding

Don't you take another step
Away from here
I would go anywhere with you
What a lie

I'll break down
But you will never see
Tell me, are you happy?
Are you really happy?

Stay under the tide
Stay in my eye line
Looking ahead, there is a chance
Wherever it all ends

Head up, head up
And stay strong




Holding your head up, head up
Keep holding, holding

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to CHVRCHES's song Under The Tide seem to be a message of support to someone the singer cares about. The lines "I'll be your eyes, I'll be a lifeline, and if I can be, I'll be your strength" all point to this interpretation. The singer is offering to help the other person in any way possible and is asking them to have faith and hold their head up high, possibly in the face of some difficult situation. The lines "don't you take another step away from here, I would go anywhere with you" again emphasize the idea of being there for someone and providing whatever assistance is needed. The chorus is an exhortation to "keep holding (your) head up" and "stay strong", urging the person not to give in to fear or doubt. Overall, the song seems to be a positive message of support and encouragement to a loved one.


One interesting fact about the song is that it was originally released as a B-side to CHVRCHES's hit single "The Mother We Share" in 2012, but later appeared on the deluxe version of their debut album The Bones of What You Believe. Another interesting fact is that the song features some of the band's heaviest use of guitar solos, which is a departure from their usual synth-driven sound. The bridge of the song features one of lead singer Lauren Mayberry's most powerful vocal performances, showcasing her range and emotive ability. The song has been described as a standout track from the album and a fan favorite, and is often performed live by the band. The song's title is also a reference to the line "under the tide" in the previous song on the album, "Lies". The song was co-written by the band's lead guitarist Iain Cook and drummer Martin Doherty.


Another interesting fact is that the song was covered by the band CHON, who are known for their instrumental rock and metal music. Their cover version features a reworked arrangement with heavy use of guitar riffs and solos. The song's music video features footage of the band performing the song live, interspersed with surreal shots of a forest and a cityscape. The video was directed by Sing J Lee, who has worked with other artists such as Years & Years and Carly Rae Jepsen. The song's lyrics have been interpreted in various ways by fans and critics, with some seeing them as a message of solidarity to marginalized communities and others as a personal message of support to a loved one. The song has been praised for its catchy hooks, soaring chorus, and powerful vocals.


Chords:


Verse: C#m A B
Chorus: E A B E A B
Bridge: C#m A B E A B (x4) E A B.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm watching you run
Observing you leave while you run


Run from the sidelines
You are on the sidelines, moving in the opposite direction


Take in a breath
Take a deep breath


Fill in your lungs
Fill your lungs with air and hold your breath for a moment


Keeping you alive
The person wants you to keep your breath and stay alive


No fear
Don't be afraid


I'll be your eyes
I will be your sight


I'll be a lifeline
I'm your emergency contact and your hope


And if I can be
If I'm capable of it


I'll be your strength
I will be your power


And it won't be long now
It will happen very soon


Head up, head up
Look up, pay attention, don't be discouraged


Keep holding, holding
Stay strong, don't give up


Your head up, head up
Don't let go or bow down, despite the struggles


If you can see
If you can truly understand


And you believe
And you have faith


Why are you so scared
Then why are you scared?


But if you don't care
But if you don't care


Then why are we here
Then why are we having this discussion?


And what do you have left
What are you left with?


Don't you take another step
Don't move from where you are


Away from here
Don't get too far from here


I would go anywhere with you
I would follow you anywhere you lead


What a lie
This is not true


I'll break down
I will have a meltdown


But you will never see
But you will never witness it


Tell me, are you happy?
Are you content?


Are you really happy?
Are you genuinely amused?


Stay under the tide
Stay under the surface of the water


Stay in my eye line
Remain in my field of view/visually reachable location


Looking ahead, there is a chance
There is a possibility in the future


Wherever it all ends
Wherever everything leads


And stay strong
Remain courageous


Holding your head up, head up
Keep standing upright, regardless


Keep holding, holding
Keep trying, and persevering




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAIN ANDREW COOK, LAUREN EVE MAYBERRY, MARTIN CLIFFORD DOHERTY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Rudra-mm1qf

I'm watching you run
Run from the sidelines
Take in a breath
Fill in your lungs
Keeping you alive
No fear
I'll be your eyes
I'll be a lifeline
And if I can be
I'll be your strength
And it won't be long now
Head up, head up
Keep holding, holding
Your head up, head up
Keep holding
If you can see
And you believe
Why are you so scared
But if you don't care
Then why are we here
And what do you have left
Head up, head up
Keep holding, holding
Your head up, head up
Keep holding, holding
Don't you take another step
Away from here
I would go anywhere with you
What a lie
I'll break down
But you will never see
Tell me, are you happy?
Are you really happy?
Stay under the tide
Stay in my eye line
Looking ahead, there is a chance
Wherever it all ends
Head up, head up
And stay strong
Holding your head up, head up
Keep holding, holding



All comments from YouTube:

@jakeh6913

I love Lauren’s vocals as much as the next guy, but this is amazing! Martin should definitely sing more.

@thebroskis6364

Nice pfp, The Raven That Refused To Sing by SW.

@redkween1637

I wish Martin sang more songs or maybe just put a solo album out. I love his voice and he's so talented.

@Jamesmarshallhayley

He sings another one in the new album

@edgara.4902

Definitely 👍

@NightCabbage

CHVRCHES - High Enough To Carry You Over - AMAZING SONG :D

@adammayo4377

@@NightCabbage One of my fave songs by them. And his God's Plan on Love Is Dead is my favorite song on that album. His voice is ok, but the instrumentals and melodies have this looping/driving feel their other songs don't and I love that. I often put his songs on repeat. Hypnotic.

@spindles71

@@adammayo4377 Live this song is EPIC, crowd goes wild for it. We definitely need more of Martin's vocals on future tracks.

@KolydoscopeMusic

I love this song despite all the hate it gets. I listen for Chvrches, not just Lauren and this song is absolutely amazing.

@swag83111

Thank you for saying that I needed to see at least one appreciative comment.

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