You Are the Coffin
Flatsound Lyrics
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I know how much you like to keep in touch
so you can talk about it
and you said, who was that, who were you talking to?
is that the reason you're too scared to go downtown?
and talk about it.
she said it's my own body, I did what I wanted
he is a pedophile, you are the coffin
and you're the reason that I can't breathe
I'll sleep inside of your chest
and fight those thoughts in your head
some say we should take a rest
I think I'd rather be dead
her own body, she did what she wanted
ever since god made her bleed
if he's a pedophile you are a monster
and you're the reason that I can't sleep
The lyrics to Flatsound's "You Are the Coffin" are quite interpretive, but they seem to touch on themes of interpersonal relationships, control, and self-worth. The first couple of lines could be seen as the singer attempting to reassure someone else that they are doing okay, despite some unresolved issues between them. This person is someone that the singer knows likes to keep in touch, but whether or not they are close or on good terms is unclear. The next few lines show that the other person in the conversation is perhaps a bit paranoid or insecure, asking questions and wondering about the singer's behavior.
The next verse seems to shift perspectives to a woman who is asserting her bodily autonomy and independence, but also experiencing some kind of traumatic or painful experience (perhaps related to sexual abuse or menstruation). She's calling out someone or something (god) as a pedophile and blaming the other person for her difficult circumstances. The line "you are the coffin and you're the reason that I can't breathe" seems to suggest that the singer is suffocating or holding the woman down in some way, perhaps trying to control her.
The final verse is a bit more abstract, but seems to convey a sense of desperation and hopelessness. The singer wants to be close to the person they are talking to (perhaps the woman from earlier?) and "fight those thoughts in your head," but they also acknowledge that others are advising them to take a break or step back. The line "I think I'd rather be dead" is chilling and suggests that the singer feels trapped or overwhelmed by their own emotions and actions, and cannot see a way out.
Line by Line Meaning
I am doing just fine, thank you
I'm pretending everything's okay, but in reality, I'm struggling.
I know how much you like to keep in touch so you can talk about it
You only check up on me to hear about my problems, not because you genuinely care.
And you said, who was that, who were you talking to? Is that the reason you're too scared to go downtown? And talk about it.
You don't trust me and think I'm keeping secrets. You blame me for your own social anxiety and lack of communication.
She said it's my own body, I did what I wanted ever since god made me bleed he is a pedophile, you are the coffin and you're the reason that I can't breathe
She's defending her right to make decisions about her own body and accusing you of being complicit in a culture that harms women.
I'll sleep inside of your chest and fight those thoughts in your head
I want to be close to you and help you overcome your negative thoughts.
Some say we should take a rest, I think I'd rather be dead
Instead of taking a break, I'd rather die than continue living like this.
Her own body, she did what she wanted ever since god made her bleed if he's a pedophile you are a monster and you're the reason that I can't sleep
Reiterating the idea that women should have control over their bodies and you're complicit in a society that values male power over women's safety and health.
Contributed by Tristan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.