Still Swimming
Pronto Mama Lyrics


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Oh you're hard up sick of me
What a leech you are still swimming
Stammering light steals through
I don't want to shine anymore

It was just something that I wanted to say
And I suppose it sounds daft now
But you keep running like you're running from evil
I can see the sense in that I was never a sprinter

I know
I'm not
Going to be the only one to tell you that
I love you

I'm cold
Stubborn, make me feel at home like before
We made a mess of it
Well no-one else is going to agree that all that,
Pushing must of started with me

Well it was just something that I wanted to say
And I just know it sounds daft but I love you

I know
I'm not
Going to be the only one to tell you that

I love you




I love you
I love you

Overall Meaning

The song "Still Swimming" by Pronto Mama is a heartfelt ballad about the struggle to maintain a relationship while dealing with insecurities and doubt. The opening lines speak to the singer's awareness of their partner's frustration with them, as they refer to themselves as a "leech" still hanging on. The idea of "still swimming" could refer to the effort required to keep afloat in a difficult situation, or it could imply a lack of progress, as though the couple were treading water indefinitely.


The next lines are more opaque, as the image of "stammering light" suggests a tentative hope or optimism that is quickly snuffed out by the singer's lack of confidence. There is a sense that they do not want to shine or stand out because it will only highlight their flaws and imperfections. In the second verse, the singer admits that what they have to say "sounds daft" but is ultimately sincere: "I love you."


The chorus repeats this sentiment, with added emphasis on the fact that others may also love the person in question, but the singer still feels compelled to express their own feelings. The final lines of the song suggest a longing for comfort and familiarity, with the singer pleading with their partner to make them "feel at home like before" while acknowledging that their own actions may have contributed to the current state of affairs.


Pronto Mama may not be a household name, but their music has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following in their native Scotland. The band formed in Glasgow in 2011 and has released two full-length albums, as well as a number of singles and EPs. "Still Swimming" appears on their most recent album, "Any Joy," which was released in 2019.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh you're hard up sick of me
You're tired of me and I'm a burden on you


What a leech you are still swimming
You are like a parasite, clinging on and still trying to keep going


Stammering light steals through
Uncertain feelings of affection are present


I don't want to shine anymore
I don't want to draw attention to myself and my emotions


It was just something that I wanted to say
I have something important to say, regardless of how it comes across


And I suppose it sounds daft now
I understand that my words may sound foolish or unwise


But you keep running like you're running from evil
You're always on the go, as if trying to escape something terrible


I can see the sense in that I was never a sprinter
I understand why you're always moving when I have never been one to move quickly


I know I'm not Going to be the only one to tell you that I love you
I understand that other people love you too, but I am expressing my own love for you


I'm cold Stubborn, make me feel at home like before We made a mess of it Well no-one else is going to agree that all that, Pushing must of started with me
I have been distant and stubborn, but I want to feel the warmth and comfort of our past relationship, even though we messed it up. I know that others may not see things my way, but I acknowledge that I may have caused some of our issues.


Well it was just something that I wanted to say And I just know it sounds daft but I love you
Again, I have something important to say, and I realize that it may not sound wise or well thought out, but I love you and need to express that.


I love you I love you I love you
Repeated expression of deep love and affection.




Contributed by Annabelle P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@angeloiudici

Wish I could see them! Deffo one of my favorite bands at this point 😂

@lukepeterson1150

Same!

@lukepeterson1150

I just love this. Love it.

@Yimello

As a drummer myself, I can safely say that the drummer in this band is absolutely superb. 

@CashPresley32

Check out W.S. Holland drummer for Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.

@adamfairbairn526

Nice one guys. Id love to see you at a gig again

@kateinspace6033

Love this song! You guys have amazing energy onstage. Can't wait to see you perform again! 

@MrAlextick

Blinding tune this. Can't help myself rewinding this.

@ianedmonds9191

Shades of Zappa.
Great stuff.
Luv and peace.

@MassAmorphous

Holy shit! This is so good

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