Falling Apart
Terrapin Trainstation Lyrics

These lyrics from Terrapin Trainstation's song "Falling Apart" depict a tumultuous relationship filled with heartbreak and uncertainty.

The first verse reflects on the fleeting nature of life, as the singer mentions that we are all dying from the moment we are born. The comparison to a polygraph, a lie detector, implies that the person being addressed is not genuine or trustworthy, constantly scratching the surface like a cat. The mention of not waiting for anyone and the urgency of time highlight the importance of not wasting precious moments. The singer expresses their frustration with the person, stating that they are out of line by bringing up the past and burdening themselves with future worries. The line "Since I've known you, I feel like my heart's been pinched" suggests that the relationship has caused emotional pain.

In the second verse, the singer questions the other person's ability to handle life's challenges. The repeated phrase "Could you make it on your own" implies that they doubt the person's independence and ability to survive without relying on others. This doubt arises from the uncertainty of whether the person was actually right in their actions or decisions. The repetition of the phrase "Now bring it back and take it forward again and again and again" suggests a cycle of repetitive behavior and arguments that perpetuate the falling apart of the relationship.

The chorus expresses the heartbreak felt by the singer, emphasizing the deterioration of their connection with the other person. The repetition of "You break my heart, we're falling apart" reinforces the sense of despair and sadness. It seems that the singer may feel betrayed or hurt by the actions of the other person, leading to the breakdown of their bond.

The final verse reveals the singer's attempt to distance themselves emotionally from the situation. They claim to be allergic to their own tears, emphasizing that they will not shed tears for the other person. Despite this detachment, the singer still wants to ensure the other person's well-being, indicating a sense of residual care or concern. The comparison of their love being like a movie or documentary suggests that their relationship has experienced a significant amount of drama or conflict. The phrase "Who you calling names, I was only pretending" implies that the singer was trying to protect themselves by pretending not to care or getting emotionally involved. The line "Who you calling names, I was only having a bubble" is a colloquial expression meaning that the singer was only having a laugh or joking, suggesting a defense mechanism in response to the tension in the relationship.

Overall, these lyrics convey the struggles and turmoil within a troubled relationship, highlighting the pain, doubt, and attempts at self-preservation experienced by the singer.