Chlorine
The Districts Lyrics
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I can't help but wanting you to come back
Thinking, it's been darker here before
But I don't feel alive
Maybe I'm not breathing
It's such a shame
Nobody's feeling it now
When I see you
Want to feel something more
Than a spine or a touch
Or a spark of anger
When I hear you
Want to hear something more
Than a shout or a scream or an "I don't need you"
It's such a shame
Nobody's feeling it now
And it's not that way anymore
Don't hang on
It won't stay
In your head
So I'm sleeping it away
It's such a shame
It's such a shame
It's such a shame
Nobody's feeling it now
But it's not that way anymore
The Districts’ song “Chlorine” is a heart-wrenching ballad that speaks to the pain of loss and the yearning for what once was. The first verse sets the tone with the singer sitting in a dark place, wanting someone to come back. The second verse follows the same path, but this time the singer wonders if they are truly alive considering how dark their life has been. They describe feeling like they are barely breathing, suggesting that the pain of loss has consumed them to a point that they are shutting down.
The chorus is a bittersweet recognition that the pain of loss is universal in its ability to create a sense of isolation. The singer recognizes that nobody else is feeling what they are feeling now – the loss of someone they loved – but also acknowledges that they themselves have now moved past the pain. The second half of the song, represented by a change in melody, focuses on the singer’s desire to reconnect with their lost loved one. Despite acknowledging the shortcomings of the relationship – the shouting, the anger, the screaming, the pain – the singer still wants to feel more with this person. The closing lines once again touch on the universality of loss, but this time the singer acknowledges that they have found a way to deal with the pain – by sleeping it away.
Overall, “Chlorine” is a powerful song that speaks to the overwhelming, isolating pain of loss and the desire to recapture what has been lost. The song is marked by its evocative lyrics and melancholic melody, making it a standout track in The Districts’ impressive catalogue.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting, it's been dark here before
I'm in a dark place mentally and emotionally, but I've been here before.
I can't help but wanting you to come back
I miss you and wish you were here with me.
Thinking, it's been darker here before
I've had these negative thoughts and feelings before.
But I don't feel alive
My emotions are overwhelming me to the point where I feel numb inside.
Maybe I'm not breathing
I feel like I'm suffocating from these negative emotions.
It's such a shame
It's unfortunate that things are the way they are.
Nobody's feeling it now
Others can't understand or sympathize with what I'm going through.
But it's not that way anymore
I believe things can and will change for the better.
When I see you
Seeing you makes me feel something.
Want to feel something more
I want to feel a deeper emotional connection with you.
Than a spine or a touch
I want more than just a physical connection.
Or a spark of anger
I don't want our interactions to just be fueled by negative emotions.
When I hear you
Hearing your voice affects me emotionally.
Want to hear something more
I want to hear something deeper and meaningful from you.
Than a shout or a scream or an "I don't need you"
I want more than just surface-level interactions or arguments.
Don't hang on
Let go of negative emotions and thoughts.
It won't stay
These negative emotions won't last forever.
In your head
These negative thoughts are just in your mind.
So I'm sleeping it away
I'm trying to escape these negative thoughts and emotions by sleeping.
It's such a shame
It's still unfortunate that things are the way they are.
Nobody's feeling it now
Others still can't understand or sympathize with what I'm going through.
But it's not that way anymore
I'm still holding onto hope that things can and will change for the better.
Writer(s): Braden Isaac Lawrence, Connor Phillip Jacobus, Robert Richard Grote, Mark David Lawrence
Contributed by Isabella L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
FriedChickenGossip
I adore this song. I love it insanely.
canal ONDAS
Loving the mix of shoegazey guitars and the country like chorus, even in the midst of the abrasive sound it's all so peaceful.
80’s_Division
Absolutely class, what a song this is man love it
GrandpaClamps
It's such an honor to hear you guys perform, such a shame for it to end.
Turn Up The Volume
Epic grandeur ! Huge melody !
SenchoPenze
what a great song/band
G 33fer
I'm playing this daily.
Not wanting to over analyse, but that break at 02:45 (ish) really makes it.
GrandpaClamps
+G eefer Agreed! I love the peace it enters at 2:19 , back to the chorus, then into that break. Hands down, the Districts have the best breaks of any band in my opinion and they do them on just about every song. Long live the break! Long live the Districts!
G 33fer
still loving it
Chris Ross
Evetytime I hear this song I go on a trip!!