The Drown formed in 2002 and consisted of William Byron on vocals and piano… Read Full Bio ↴The Drown formed in 2002 and consisted of William Byron on vocals and piano and Brandon van Spall on guitars. They released a self-titled debut album in 2003 through Matchbox Recordings. In 2004 the line-up extended with the addition of Shari Wallin on vocals and synthesizers. The band released a second full-length album, Mars Import, that was mixed by acclaimed producer Mark Plati (known for his work with David Bowie and The Cure)and engineered by Paul Janocha. In 2005 the band rereleased their debut album with new overdubs by Shari and additional percussion by Casual T. 2005 also saw the release of the Twins EP. In April 2006, The Drown debuted its first video for the song "Homage", which was directed by Amy Leonard. In 2007 after the recording of an acoustic radio session the band decided to split.

Known for its moody melodies, haunting themes and strong vocals, the band's music has been featured in Magnet, Pop Culture Press, NME, Outburn, Gothic Beauty and Paste.

www.myspace.com/thedrown

What It Is To Burn
The Drown Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This time you couldn't walk away from me
This time there was nowhere you could hide
This time I wanted all the answers
This time I really thought I was prepared

But now I know
I know I wasn't ready
And now I know

I know what it is to burn
I know what it is to burn

This time you couldn't turn your back on me
This time you had to leave me paralyzed
This time I thought it's what I wanted
This time I know that I was wrong
'Cause I know about it this time
I thought I wasn't human
This time I really thought I wouldn't feel
I wish I didn't know
I wish I didn't feel
I wish I could forget
But this time it's for real
Some things you just don't want to hear
Not this time

But now I know
I know I wasn't ready
And now I know
I know what it is to burn

I wish I didn't know
I wish I didn't feel
I wish I could forget
But this time it's for real

I wish I didn't know
I wish I didn't feel

I wish I could forget
But this time I know what it is to burn

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Drown's song "What It Is To Burn" seem to be about experiencing intense emotional pain and learning to cope with it. The singer speaks of a past experience where they were caught off guard by a situation they believed they were prepared for. They thought that they were immune to the pain, that they could handle it, but they were wrong. They discovered that they were not ready and that they did not have all the answers they thought they did.

The song also deals with loss and the difficulty of letting go. The singer wishes that they didn't know or feel the pain they are experiencing. They wish they could forget it, but they can't. In the end, the experience has taught them what it means to truly burn and has left a lasting impact on them.

Overall, "What It Is To Burn" is a raw and emotional song that speaks to the struggles we all face when dealing with pain and loss.

Line by Line Meaning

This time you couldn't walk away from me
This time, the singer was able to hold the attention of the listener, unlike before.

This time there was nowhere you could hide
The listener was unable to avoid the singer's message this time around.

This time I wanted all the answers
The singer had a lot of questions they wanted answered this time.

This time I really thought I was prepared
The artist felt ready for the conversation that was about to happen.

But now I know I know I wasn't ready And now I know I know what it is to burn I know what it is to burn
The artist has realized they were not actually prepared for the conversation and now knows what it feels like to be overwhelmed by emotion.

This time you couldn't turn your back on me
The listener was unable to ignore the singer this time around.

This time you had to leave me paralyzed
The listener's reaction to the conversation left the singer feeling helpless and unable to move or act.

This time I thought it's what I wanted
Initially, the artist thought they wanted to have this conversation.

This time I know that I was wrong
The artist has since realized that they were mistaken, and that the conversation had unintended consequences.

'Cause I know about it this time I thought I wasn't human This time I really thought I wouldn't feel
The artist was unprepared for the intense emotional response they had to the conversation this time around, possibly because they did not think they were capable of feeling that way.

I wish I didn't know I wish I didn't feel I wish I could forget But this time it's for real
The singer wishes they could avoid the pain and emotional turmoil that comes with the conversation, but acknowledges that this time, it is a real and unavoidable feeling.

Some things you just don't want to hear Not this time
There are some things that are tough to hear, but the conversation this time around was especially difficult.

But now I know I know I wasn't ready And now I know I know what it is to burn
The singer has finally realized the depth of their emotional response to the conversation and is struggling to cope.

I wish I didn't know I wish I didn't feel I wish I could forget But this time it's for real
The singer reiterates their desire to escape the pain of the conversation, but realizes that it is a genuine and unchanging experience.

Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD HUGO, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, TREVOR SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS