Fronted by former As Blood Runs Black vocalist Jonny McBee (vocals/electronics) the band also includes Brian Cravey (guitars), Jesse Glidewell (bass) and Noah Robertson (drums),
Vortex
The Browning Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why can't I just let go
The cycle will not end
With this torment in my head
Vortex
This hate lives inside me
Vortex
Break
Vortex
Show me reality
I can't let this destroy me
Show me reality
I can't let this destroy me
You're a fake
A mistake
You only take, take take, I'm about to break
Why can't you see
You'll always be
What's wrong with humanity?
Vortex
This hate lives inside me
Vortex
Break these chains that bind me
Break
This wold is a prison of lies
My mind is my demise
This world is a prison of lies
My mins is my demise
The Browning's song Vortex is an emotionally charged reflection of a person who is dealing with a negative and painful cycle in their life. The lyrics express the frustration and torment that the singer is undergoing while struggling to let go of this cycle. The song portrays a sense of helplessness and entrapment, as the individual tries to hold on to reality while the vortex of hatred pulls them in. It is a fight between hope and despair where the singer is seeking relief from the emotional turmoil that is eating them up.
The line "You're a fake, a mistake, You only take, take take, I'm about to break" is an indication of how the singer is feeling like a victim, and in this instance, the person on the other end is responsible for all their pain. The following lines, "why can't you see, you'll always be, What's wrong with humanity?" reflects how the singer is feeling completely alone in their plight, and that they can't understand why the world seems to be working against them. The overall message of the song is that it is essential to break free from the chains of despair and seek a better reality, as one's mind can becomes their own enemy.
Line by Line Meaning
No
Expresses negative affirmation.
Why can't I just let go
Asks why it's so difficult to move on from a situation causing one distress.
The cycle will not end
The pattern of negative thoughts and emotions will continue indefinitely.
With this torment in my head
Refers to the inner turmoil and emotional pain someone is experiencing.
Vortex
Represents the feeling of being trapped in one's negative thoughts and emotions.
This hate lives inside me
The negative thoughts and emotions are manifesting as hatred and anger within oneself.
Break the chains that bind me
Desires to be freed from the negative thoughts and emotions holding oneself back.
Break
Reiterates the desire for release from the cycle of negativity.
Show me reality
Wants a clear and honest view of the situation at hand.
I can't let this destroy me
Is determined not to let the negative thoughts and emotions ruin one's life.
You're a fake
Addressing someone who is pretending to be something they're not.
A mistake
Referring to the person as an error or wrong action.
You only take, take take, I'm about to break
The person is only taking from the singer, causing them to feel drained and at their breaking point.
Why can't you see
Asks why the other person is unable to understand the harm they are causing.
You'll always be
Emphasizing the other person's inability to change their ways.
What's wrong with humanity?
An overarching, rhetorical question about the shortcomings and flaws of humanity as a whole.
This world is a prison of lies
Contemplates how society and the world can feel like a trap or suffocating due to dishonesty.
My mind is my demise
Reflects on how one's negative thoughts and emotions are causing their own downfall.
Writer(s): The Browning
Contributed by James O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.