Breaking Away
Pettybone Lyrics


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Life is a stutter, I feel like I've drowned
Unable to move, just look around
Been moulded into a shape, I can’t escape
The verge of existence passes me by
I want you to know that we won’t last
Isolation is a prison
Even amongst a crowd
Sitting around and feeling down
Apathy is resignation
Breaking away from these chains
They will never win
You see, cos in life we take and we give
You have to understand that’s just the way it is





This is our life!

Overall Meaning

The song "Breaking Away" by Pettybone is a powerful anthem about feeling trapped in life and the struggle to break free from those chains. The opening lyrics set the tone for the rest of the song by comparing life to a stutter and feeling like you've drowned, unable to move or escape. The verse then transitions into the realization that the singer has been molded into a shape they can't escape from and that they're missing out on the verge of existence because they are stuck in this rut. The chorus speaks to the isolation that comes with feeling trapped and the prison it creates, even amongst people in a crowd.


The second verse then transitions into the resignation and apathy that can come with feeling trapped in life. Breaking away from these chains is the only way to win, and the singer wants the listener to understand that life is about taking and giving, so breaking free means embracing that fact. The final line, "This is our life!" is a declaration that life is what you make it, and it's up to the listener to take control of their own fate.


Overall, "Breaking Away" is a powerful song that speaks to the universal struggles of feeling trapped and wanting to break free. Pettybone's lyrics are both poignant and uplifting, creating an emotional roller-coaster for the listener.


Line by Line Meaning

Life is a stutter, I feel like I've drowned
Life feels like it's going nowhere, like being unable to speak and drowning at the same time.


Unable to move, just look around
Feeling stuck and unable to take any action, just observing without purpose.


Been moulded into a shape, I can’t escape
Feeling confined and unable to break out of your current situation, shaped by circumstances beyond your control.


The verge of existence passes me by
Feeling like life is passing by without really experiencing it or making anything out of it.


I want you to know that we won’t last
Feeling hopeless and like the current situation won't be able to continue much longer.


Isolation is a prison
Being alone and cut off from others feels like being trapped and unable to escape.


Even amongst a crowd
Lack of meaningful human connection and feeling disconnected, even when surrounded by others.


Sitting around and feeling down
Being inactive and feeling sad and unmotivated.


Apathy is resignation
Not caring and giving up can become a habit of accepting things as they are without attempting to change or improve them.


Breaking away from these chains
Trying to break free from limiting beliefs and circumstances holding you back.


They will never win
Not allowing past experiences or limiting beliefs to control or define you anymore.


You see, cos in life we take and we give
Life is a balance of giving and taking, and it's important to give as much as you take.


You have to understand that’s just the way it is
Accepting that some things are out of our control and cannot be changed, but it's still possible to change our perspective and attitude towards them.


This is our life!
Emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of our lives and making the most of them despite challenges and setbacks.




Contributed by Alex N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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