SLIPPING AWAY
Ryan Calhoun Lyrics


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(Written by Ryan Calhoun / Kevin Hunter)

I fail and I fall, but somehow get back up again
I shoot for the stars, but sometimes I shoot too far
I'm slipping away, I'm losing control of what I know
But I'm not running away, just trying to find out where I go
And there's no way to hold on to my head when it's going through
I'm drowning in an ocean I can't swim
And there's no way to hold on to my head when it's going through
I don't think I'll make it on my own
I scream so loud, but somehow I can't make a sound
I reach for the stars, but sometimes I reach too far
I'm slipping away, I'm losing control of what I know
But I'm not running away, just trying to find out where I go
And there's no way to hold on to my head when it's going through
I'm drowning in an ocean I can't swim
And there's no way to hold on to my head when it's going through
I don't think I'll make it on my own
It's a whiteout, lock down, no sound
It's safe now
And I'm busted, untrusted, disgusted
And somehow
I'm gonna break out, shake down, take down
I must get me back now, I must get me back now
There's no way to hold on to my head when it's going through
I'm drowning in an ocean I can't swim




And there's no way to hold on to my head when it's going through
I don't think I'll make it on my own

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Slipping Away" by Ryan Calhoun and Kevin Hunter speak to the feeling of losing control and simultaneously feeling trapped in one's own thoughts and emotions. The repeated refrain of "I'm slipping away, I'm losing control of what I know, but I'm not running away, just trying to find out where I go" captures the sense of feeling adrift and uncertain, while also expressing a desire to persevere and find one's way forward. The lines "I don't think I'll make it on my own" and "I must get me back now" further emphasize the theme of struggling alone and the need to reclaim oneself.


The verses also touch on the idea of aiming high and experiencing both success and failure. Lines like "I shoot for the stars, but sometimes I shoot too far" and "I reach for the stars, but sometimes I reach too far" convey the desire to push oneself to be better, but also acknowledge the possibility of going too far and losing track of reality. The use of the metaphor of drowning in an ocean suggests that the feelings of being lost and overwhelmed are all-encompassing and difficult to escape.


Line by Line Meaning

I fail and I fall, but somehow get back up again
I experience setbacks and make mistakes, yet I find a way to recover and continue on.


I shoot for the stars, but sometimes I shoot too far
I aim high, but occasionally set unrealistic expectations for myself.


I'm slipping away, I'm losing control of what I know
I feel like I'm losing my grip on reality and my sense of what I know to be true.


But I'm not running away, just trying to find out where I go
Despite feeling lost, I'm not giving up. I'm working to figure out my path forward.


And there's no way to hold on to my head when it's going through
When I'm struggling with my thoughts, it can be difficult to stay grounded and focused.


I'm drowning in an ocean I can't swim
I feel overwhelmed and like I'm in over my head.


I don't think I'll make it on my own
I doubt my ability to succeed without help or support.


I scream so loud, but somehow I can't make a sound
I feel like I'm expressing myself, but no one is hearing my cries for help.


I'm reachin' for the stars, but sometimes I reach too far
I set high goals for myself, but sometimes they are unrealistic or unattainable.


It's a whiteout, lock down, no sound, it's safe now
In the midst of a crisis or intense situation, it can feel like everything is frozen and silent.


And I'm busted, untrusted, disgusted, and somehow
I'm feeling overwhelmed, betrayed and disappointed, yet still trying to push through.


I'm gonna break out, shake down, take down, I must get me back now
I'm determined to break free of these negative feelings and take control of my life again.




Contributed by Brooklyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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