Level Set
Downhaul Lyrics

In the first verse of the song "Level Set" by Downhaul, the lyrics suggest a sense of confusion and miscommunication in a relationship. The singer acknowledges that they and their partner have different desires and priorities, leading to a lack of understanding between them. The lines "Cause we want different things, you'd always say so / And I never understood how you'd purport to know just what I want" highlight this mismatch in expectations and communication. The singer expresses a sense of disbelief that their partner claims to know their desires when the singer themselves is unsure of what they truly want. This could represent a feeling of being misunderstood or not fully seen in the relationship.

The repetition of the phrase "But I still don't / And I never will" emphasizes the singer's conviction that this fundamental disconnect in understanding cannot be resolved. Despite efforts to bridge the gap or make sense of the situation, the singer feels resigned to the fact that they may never fully comprehend their partner's perspective. This sense of resignation could suggest a deepening of emotional distance or a realization that the relationship may not be salvageable due to these inherent differences in desires and communication styles.

As the song progresses, the singer reflects on a past decision that they stand by as the right choice, despite the potential repercussions. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance or determination in the face of scrutiny or questioning from others. The singer maintains their stance, offering what they believe to be a straightforward explanation for their actions, even though it may not be well-received by those around them. The repeated assertion that "It didn't matter / And it never will" suggests a sense of finality and conviction in the singer's perspective, regardless of outside opinions or interpretations.

The final verse of the song delves into themes of loss, separation, and unresolved feelings. The singer alludes to a past vacation or experience that holds significance and weight in their memory. The lines "One more vacation that you never came back from / Just gone away" evoke a sense of longing or incompleteness, hinting at a sense of abandonment or unfulfilled expectations. The singer grapples with the emotional weight of this experience, acknowledging the burden it places on them. The closing lines "It drags me down / It holds me back / We can't deserve / What we didn't earn / We didn't earn" convey a sense of grappling with feelings of unworthiness or inadequacy, suggesting a struggle to reconcile past experiences with present emotions.