The Battle
Missy Higgins Lyrics
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Should have known this armour was heavy when the battle was declared by me.
But you weren't listening too hard,
Under every word's a jaded heart.
And you weren't listening too hard, now were you?
Can you pull your head out a moment and try to find a second just to breathe?
But you weren't listening too hard,
Under every word's a jaded heart.
Now give me your best and I'll take it, feel it, breathe it,
Then watch me throw it back to you.
'Cause you weren't listening too hard,
No, under every word's a jaded heart.
Now give me your best and I'll take it, feel it, breathe it,
And watch me throw it back to you.
Back to you.
Back to you.
The Battle is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins, released in 2007. The lyrics of the song are about feeling misunderstood by someone who was supposed to listen and support her. The first line, "I don't need a slap in the face, I'm already at the bottom of the sea" describes how the singer feels like she's already hit rock bottom and doesn't need anyone to remind her of that. The second line, "Should have known this armour was heavy when the battle was declared by me" refers to the facade she put up to protect herself when she entered into the conflict with the person she's talking to. She regrets not being honest and vulnerable from the beginning.
The chorus, "But you weren't listening too hard, Under every word's a jaded heart" expresses her frustration with the other person's inability to understand her true feelings. She feels like her words are falling on deaf ears and the other person isn't making an effort to see past her defenses. She pleads with them to "pull your head out a moment and try to find a second just to breathe", asking for a moment of understanding.
The bridge, "Now give me your best and I'll take it, feel it, breathe it, Then watch me throw it back to you" shows the singer's determination to overcome the situation. She wants to take in any criticism or feedback and use it to grow stronger. She's willing to face the battle head-on and come out on top, even if it means being vulnerable in the process.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't need a slap in the face, I'm already at the bottom of the sea.
I am already in a heavily distressed state and don't need anyone to make it worse.
Should have known this armour was heavy when the battle was declared by me.
I should have been aware of how burdensome and difficult this journey would be when I decided to take it on.
But you weren't listening too hard,
You were not paying close enough attention to what I was saying.
Under every word's a jaded heart.
My words are coming from a place of hurt and disappointment.
And you weren't listening too hard, now were you?
You were not making a sincere effort to comprehend my perspective.
Can you pull your head out a moment and try to find a second just to breathe?
Can you temporarily step away from the situation to gain a fresh perspective and calm your emotions?
I was trying to be a picture, a pillar of solidity you see?
I attempted to present myself as someone who was steady and reliable, but this facade is no longer sustainable.
Now give me your best and I'll take it, feel it, breathe it,
I am open and willing to receive whatever you have to offer and will fully experience it.
Then watch me throw it back to you.
I will then respond in a way that may surprise or challenge you.
'Cause you weren't listening too hard,
Your lack of attention is the reason for the misunderstandings and frustrations in this situation.
And watch me throw it back to you.
Be prepared for me to respond to you in a more assertive way than before.
Back to you.
This response will be directed toward you and our conflict.
Back to you.
I am returning the negative energy and tension back to you.
Contributed by Juliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.