Tongue Tied
Erase Errata Lyrics

The song "Tongue Tied" by Erase Errata seems fundamentally grounded in the theme of social anxiety rooted in fear. The initial lines of the lyrics "Oh so tough, He wears boxers like a boxer" are somewhat paradoxical as one would expect that someone who is tough would be brash and intimidating as opposed to someone who wears boxers. The lyrical technique of paradoxical expression reflects the paradoxical nature of social anxiety: strength and weakness coexist. This notion of paradoxical expression is re-emphasized in the next verse "See us walking down the street, The toughest folks you'd ever meet." The statement seems contradictory and communicates fear disguised as bravado. The repetition of the phrase "I get tongue-tied" reflect a lack of confidence in the singer's social interactions. The phrase is indicative of the apprehension and self-doubt experienced when one is unable to communicate effectively.

The chorus emphasizes the feeling of being tongue-tied using the repetition of the phrase, "I get tongue-tied." The repetition emphasizes the frustration of the singer unable to express themselves properly. The song's second verse follows this theme, with the singer consistently lamenting about getting tongue-tied. The phrase "Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, What to do if I get tongue-tied" emphasizes the feeling of desperation the singer feels when confronted with social interactions. The song's final verse "And you never seem to be jaded," reflects the insecurity of the singer. They feel that while they are constantly in a state of apprehension, others seem comfortable and confident in social settings.