Shallow Grave
Johnny & the Mongrels Lyrics
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Tired, of giving in
I remember when I used to know how to win
How to let it go yeah
Before you broke me down
I'm a stranger to myself
Buried in a shallow grave, tryin' to find my way out
Buried in a shallow grave tryin' to find my way out
It could take a lifetime
Oh to break these chains
I'll never let you take from me...
What still remains
I'm a stranger to myself
Buried in a shallow grave, tryin' to find my way out
Stranger to myself
Buried in a shallow grave tryin' to find my way out
I'll never give up the fight
My heart knows what's right
I need to share the light
I gotta get back... to who I am
Sittin' with my brother on the bayou
Tryin' to wash your memory away
But you keep coming round, tryin' to get down
Yeah, middle of the night
Tryin' to fix your frown
Why can't you see you make me
I'm a stranger to myself
Buried in a shallow grave, tryin' to find my way out
Stranger to myself
Buried in a shallow grave tryin' to find my way out
I'm a stranger to myself
Buried in a shallow grave, tryin' to find my way out
Stranger to myself,
Buried in a shallow grave tryin' to find my way out
The lyrics of "Shallow Grave" by Johnny & the Mongrels convey a deep emotional struggle and a desire to reclaim one's true self. The song begins with a sense of weariness and exhaustion, as the singer expresses fatigue from the pain they have been feeling and giving in to. They reminisce about a time when they knew how to win in life and how to let go, before someone or something broke them down.
The repetition of the line "I'm a stranger to myself" emphasizes the disconnection the singer feels from their own identity. They describe themselves as being buried in a shallow grave, representing a feeling of being stuck, lost, and unable to escape. They are desperately trying to find their way out of this grave, symbolizing their desire to rediscover who they truly are.
The lyrics suggest that breaking free from this state could take a considerable amount of time and effort. The singer acknowledges the chains that bind them but resolves to never let their true self be taken away entirely. Despite the hardships they face, they cling to what still remains of their essence and refuse to give up the fight.
In the final verse, the mention of sitting with a brother on the bayou suggests a moment of solace and reflection. The singer tries to wash away the memories tied to the person who broke them down. However, this person continues to intrude upon their thoughts and attempts to bring them down. The repeated question, "Why can't you see you make me," reflects the frustration and pain caused by this continued presence.
The song concludes with the reaffirmation of the singer's struggle, again stating their status as a stranger buried in a shallow grave. The repetition serves to emphasize the ongoing search for liberation and the longing to find their way back to their true self. Overall, "Shallow Grave" explores the themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of personal freedom in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tired feeling this pain
I am exhausted from constantly experiencing this emotional distress
Tired, of giving in
I am worn out from constantly surrendering and giving up
I remember when I used to know how to win
There was a time when I possessed the knowledge of achieving victory
How to let it go yeah
Knowing how to release and move on
Before you broke me down
Prior to the point where you caused my emotional breakdown
I'm a stranger to myself
I no longer recognize or understand who I truly am
Buried in a shallow grave, tryin' to find my way out
Trapped in a situation where I am desperately attempting to escape
It could take a lifetime
This process might consume an entire lifetime
Oh to break these chains
Yearning to free myself from these burdensome constraints
I'll never let you take from me... What still remains
I will never allow you to rob me of what is left within me
I'll never give up the fight
I will persistently continue to battle
My heart knows what's right
Deep within, my heart understands what is morally correct
I need to share the light
I have an urge to spread positivity and enlightenment
I gotta get back... to who I am
I must return to my true self
Sittin' with my brother on the bayou
In the company of my sibling by the water's edge
Tryin' to wash your memory away
Attempting to cleanse my mind of the memories associated with you
But you keep coming round, tryin' to get down
Yet, you persistently return, seeking a way to bring me down
Yeah, middle of the night
During the late hours of darkness
Tryin' to fix your frown
Striving to alleviate your sadness
Why can't you see you make me
Why are you unable to comprehend that you affect my emotions
I'm a stranger to myself
I no longer recognize or understand who I truly am
Buried in a shallow grave, tryin' to find my way out
Trapped in a situation where I am desperately attempting to escape
I'm a stranger to myself
I no longer recognize or understand who I truly am
Buried in a shallow grave tryin' to find my way out
Trapped in a situation where I am desperately attempting to escape
I'm a stranger to myself
I no longer recognize or understand who I truly am
Buried in a shallow grave, tryin' to find my way out
Trapped in a situation where I am desperately attempting to escape
Stranger to myself
A person who is unfamiliar with their own identity
Buried in a shallow grave tryin' to find my way out
Trapped in a situation where I am desperately attempting to escape
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Sentric Music
Written by: j j, Jeffrey Bostic
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind