Scud Running
Prawn Lyrics

The opening lines of Prawn's song "Scud Running" convey a sense of desperation and struggle. The singer seems to be submerged in water, reaching for the bottom, but unable to break through the surface. The weight of something, perhaps a burden or a difficult situation, is holding them down, preventing them from moving forward. They feel cut off from the world, isolated and alone. The metaphor of the fishing line being reeled in suggests a loss of control, as if someone else is determining their fate.

As the song progresses, the imagery shifts to that of a ship in distress. The sails are slashed and the singer is waiting for the breakers, anticipating the worst. The use of the word "fuck" adds to the intensity and urgency of the situation. The reference to a beacon suggests that there may be hope, but the distance seems insurmountable. The fog, which is often used as a metaphor for confusion and uncertainty, adds to the sense of helplessness and disorientation that the singer feels.

The chorus of the song reinforces the idea that things are not as they should be. The singer had expectations for where they would be at this point in their life, but those expectations have not been met. They can see their goal in the distance, represented by the clouds, but they are unable to reach it. The line "We break faster than pressure in a fold" suggests that they are fragile and easily overwhelmed by the challenges they face.

Overall, "Scud Running" is a powerful and emotional song that captures the struggle of trying to navigate difficult circumstances. The water imagery, combined with the references to sailing, add to the sense of being adrift and uncertain. The use of profanity emphasizes the intensity of the emotions being expressed.