Back And Forth
Mosquito Fleet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One step forward, three steps back
Progress is so overrated, three times worse it's quick regress
Back and forth we move like dancers
Side-to-side and front to back
Movement is so overrated, three times worse we're lost in step
Low beneath a sea of depression
I can't see the surface yet
I am crying out to Jesus
Listen but I don't hear shit
If I said what I wanted to say would you listen or throw it away?
If I said what I wanted to say would you listen or throw it away?
The more I drink, the less I feel
Worn and weary still the less I feel
Back and forth we sway like branches
Back and forth we move like dancers
The song "Back and Forth" by Mosquito Fleet is a reflection on the struggles of the human experience. The lyrics speak of the ebb and flow of life, using the imagery of swaying branches and dancing to illustrate how we can feel stuck in a cycle of progress and regress. The first verse highlights the frustration of trying to move forward but constantly sliding back, with the line "One step forward, three steps back".
The chorus addresses the fear that speaking our truth may not be heard or understood, asking the question, "If I said what I wanted to say, would you listen or throw it away?". This fear is amplified in the second verse with the admission of being wrapped in depression and not feeling heard even when crying out for help. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of being heard and the fear of not being understood.
The final lines of the song, "The more I drink, the less I feel, worn and weary still the less I feel," speak to the coping mechanisms people use when they feel unheard or misunderstood. Drinking or any harmful habit may provide temporary relief from pain, but ultimately it makes it worse.
Overall, "Back and Forth" is an introspective look at the struggles of the human experience, with a message of the importance of being heard and understood.
Line by Line Meaning
Back and forth we sway like branches
Our actions and progress are unsteady and uncertain.
One step forward, three steps back
Our efforts to succeed are often counteracted by setbacks and failure.
Progress is so overrated, three times worse it's quick regress
Pursuing progress can lead to a quick and even greater regression, making it not worth the effort.
Back and forth we move like dancers
We continue to move unsteadily and without direction.
Side-to-side and front to back
Our movements lack a clear path or purpose.
Movement is so overrated, three times worse we're lost in step
Just moving for the sake of moving can lead to being lost and without direction.
If I said what I wanted to say would you listen or throw it away?
I am uncertain of how my thoughts and ideas will be received by others.
Low beneath a sea of depression
I am deeply immersed in feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
I can't see the surface yet
I am unable to see hope or positivity in my current situation.
I am crying out to Jesus
I am reaching out to a higher power for help and guidance.
Listen but I don't hear shit
I am not receiving the help or guidance I am seeking.
The more I drink, the less I feel
Alcohol is causing me to numb my emotional pain and disconnect from my feelings.
Worn and weary still the less I feel
My struggles have left me feeling fatigued and disengaged from my emotions.
Contributed by Natalie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.