Die in the Summertime
Elvis Depressedly Lyrics


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scratch my leg with a rusty nail
sadly it heals
color my hair but the dye grows out
i can't seem to stay a fixed ideal

childhood pictures redeem
clean and so serene
see myself without ruining lines
whole days throwing sticks into streams

i have crawled so far sideways
i recognize dim traces of creation
i want to die
die in the summertime
i want to die

the hole in my life even stains the soil
my heart shrinks to barely a pulse
a tiny animal coiled into a quarter circle
if you really care wash the feet of a beggar

childhood pictures redeem
clean and so serene
see myself without ruining lines
whole days throwing sticks into streams

i have crawled so far sideways
i recognize dim traces of creation
i want to die




die in the summertime
i want to die

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Elvis Depressedly’s song Die in the Summertime encapsulate the singer’s feelings of hopelessness and despair. The imagery in the song speaks volumes to the sadness that the singer is feeling. He or she describes feeling stuck and unable to change, as though there is no way to change the course of their life. The first lines of the song "Scratch my leg with a rusty nail, sadly it heals" suggest that the singer is in such a low place that he or she is seeking out physical pain as a way of coping. However, even that pain is temporary, and the singer is unable to heal the emotional pain within themselves.


The singer goes on to talk about childhood memories, suggesting that these are the only moments where they have felt any kind of peace or happiness. The line "Whole days throwing sticks into streams" evokes a sense of nostalgia, a longing for a simpler time in the singer’s life. But this feeling is fleeting, as the singer has grown distant from their former selves. The line “I have crawled so far sideways, I recognize dim traces of creation” speaks to this idea of feeling lost, unable to find a sense of purpose or direction. It seems that the singer is ready to give up completely, as the final lines of the song state, “I want to die, die in the summertime, I want to die.” Here, the singer gives voice to their darkest thoughts, suggesting that they would prefer to die than to continue living in this state of pain and despair.


Overall, the song is a powerful representation of the overwhelming emotions that can result from depression and feelings of hopelessness. It’s a reminder of how important it is to pay attention to the people around us who may be struggling, and to seek help when needed.


Line by Line Meaning

scratch my leg with a rusty nail
I purposely hurt myself, but even though my physical injury heals, my emotional pain lingers


color my hair but the dye grows out
I try to change myself, but my true identity always resurfaces


i can't seem to stay a fixed ideal
I struggle with maintaining a consistent sense of self or purpose in life


childhood pictures redeem
Remembering my past can bring moments of happiness and comfort


clean and so serene
My memories of childhood are pure and peaceful


see myself without ruining lines
When I look at those childhood memories, I can see who I truly am without the flaws or problems I have now


whole days throwing sticks into streams
I used to have simple joys in life, like playing outside and enjoying nature


i have crawled so far sideways
I feel like I've strayed from my path in life and have been going in the wrong direction for a long time


i recognize dim traces of creation
I can still see the remnants of the creative and artistic person I used to be


i want to die
I feel overwhelmed with sadness and despair, and the idea of ending my life seems like the only solution


die in the summertime
I wish that I had the courage or motivation to end my life during a time that is typically associated with happiness and brightness


the hole in my life even stains the soil
The emptiness and sadness I feel is so intense that it's affecting everything around me


my heart shrinks to barely a pulse
My emotional pain is so intense that I feel like I'm barely alive


a tiny animal coiled into a quarter circle
I feel small and helpless, like a frightened animal trying to protect itself


if you really care wash the feet of a beggar
If someone truly cares about me, they would do something kind and selfless for someone else in need




Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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