Brake
The Accidentals Lyrics


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I feel I'm gettin' somewhere
as life is passing by
but my mind is made of water
and I can't help but sigh
Yeah, I know I shouldn't care
but sometimes I'm goin' under
and I know this isn't fair
but I don't wanna steal your thunder
You told me I could drive, but it was just another lie
Now I'm tryin' to survive but I might just break down and die
I need a break
I know I'm prone to crash
I'd prob'ly crash and burn
'cause I'm goin' way too fast
but it's still my turn
And I know I shouldn't care
sometimes I'm goin' under
and I know this isn't fair
but I don't wanna steal your thunder
You told me I could drive, but it was just another lie
Now I'm tryin' to survive but I might just break down and die
And I know I shouldn't care
but sometimes I'm goin' under
and I know this isn't fair
but I don't wanna steal your thunder (don't wanna steal your thunder)
I don't wanna steal your thunder (don't wanna steal your thunder)
I don't wanna steal your thunder (don't wanna steal your thunder)
I don't wanna steal your thunder (don't wanna steal your thunder)
You told me I could drive, but it was just another lie
Now I'm tryin' to survive but I might just break down and die
You told me I could drive (you told me I could drive)
You told me I could drive (you told me I could drive)




You told me, you told me
I need a break

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Accidentals' song "Brake" convey the feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability that often come with growing up and trying to find one's place in the world. The singer acknowledges the passing of time but confesses that her thoughts and emotions are always changing, much like water. She feels the weight of other people's expectations and fears that she might fail them or herself. The metaphor of driving captures this sense of responsibility and freedom. The singer longs for a break, for a moment of rest and reflection, but she also wants to take the wheel and have control over her life. She knows that she's prone to make mistakes and that the road ahead is uncertain, but she's determined to navigate it anyway. At the same time, the singer doesn't want to overshadow or compete with anyone else's achievements. She wants to find her own voice and make her own mark, without diminishing anyone else's accomplishments. The repetition of "don't wanna steal your thunder" highlights this concern and also creates a sense of urgency and desperation.


Overall, "Brake" is a poignant and relatable song that captures the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, as well as the universal desire for autonomy and validation. The melody and instrumentation underscore the lyrics' sense of longing and restlessness, with the strings and percussion building and receding like waves. The harmonies and backing vocals also add depth and texture to the song, creating a sense of community and solidarity.


Line by Line Meaning

I feel I'm gettin' somewhere
The singer is making progress in their life.


as life is passing by
Despite progress, the singer is acutely aware of the fast-paced passage of time.


but my mind is made of water
The singer's thoughts are fluid and ever-changing.


and I can't help but sigh
The artist is feeling frustrated or hopeless.


Yeah, I know I shouldn't care
The artist is aware that their current emotions may not be rational.


but sometimes I'm goin' under
Despite their awareness, the singer still feels overwhelmed at times.


and I know this isn't fair
The situation at hand is unjust or unbalanced.


but I don't wanna steal your thunder
The artist doesn't want to take away from someone else's accomplishments or successes.


You told me I could drive, but it was just another lie
Someone gave the artist false hope or expectations.


Now I'm tryin' to survive but I might just break down and die
The artist is struggling to cope with the situation and may be close to giving up.


I need a break
The singer needs time to rest and recharge.


I know I'm prone to crash
The artist recognizes their own potential for failure.


I'd prob'ly crash and burn
The singer is likely to experience a catastrophic failure.


cause I'm goin' way too fast
The pace of their life is too much for them to handle.


but it's still my turn
The singer wants to have a chance to succeed despite the risks.


but sometimes I'm goin' under
Reiteration of the artist's feeling of being overwhelmed.


and I know this isn't fair
Reiteration of the situation's unfairness.


but I don't wanna steal your thunder (don't wanna steal your thunder)
Reiteration of the singer's desire not to diminish others' successes.


You told me I could drive, but it was just another lie
Reiteration of false expectations.


Now I'm tryin' to survive but I might just break down and die
Reiteration of the artist's struggle to cope.


and I know I shouldn't care
Reiteration of the artist's rational awareness.


I don't wanna steal your thunder (don't wanna steal your thunder)
Further emphasis on the artist's desire not to overshadow others.


You told me I could drive (you told me I could drive)
Reiteration of the false hope given to the singer.


You told me, you told me
Reiteration of the false hope given to the artist.




Contributed by Juliana A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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