Tightrope
Joel Hartman Lyrics

The lyrics of Joel Hartman’s "Tightrope" appear to discuss the precariousness of a risky and potentially damaging romance. The repeated refrain of “tightrope” can be interpreted as a metaphor for the relationship, emphasizing that the singer is always teetering on the edge, trying to maintain balance but aware that one wrong step could send them tumbling down. The line “bad love, closer every day” highlights the danger of staying in a toxic relationship and how it can escalate over time. The repetition of the line “you want me now” could suggest that the singer feels used or manipulated by their partner, who only seems to be interested in them in the moment when it benefits them.

The lyrics also express a sense of desperation and a fear of hitting rock bottom. The line “I’m a million pieces before I hit the ground” paints a vivid image of someone falling apart before they’ve even hit the bottom of their fall. The questions “what happened to yesterday?” and “gonna feel all right” indicate a longing for a simpler time and a hope that things will eventually be okay, but the repetition of the line “never coming down” contradicts this hope and implies a sense of inevitability or doom. Overall, the lyrics of "Tightrope" speak to the emotional turmoil and instability that can be present in a destructive relationship.