Cough It Out
The Front Bottoms Lyrics


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It's snowing right now I wish it was summer
But when the summer rolls around ill wish I was freezing
They don't call me Mr. Greenside for no reason
When they do I pause and cough it out
I cough it out I cough it out I cough it out

All the branches on the tree
That we carved our initials in seem to bend and take the shape of them
And oh can't you see
I am delusional with love I am delusional with love I am delusional with love

I don't care if you're not sorry I forgive you
And with or without your support I will continue
What I'm trying to say is you never know what you've been through
'Till you pause and cough it out
I cough it out I cough it out I cough it out

All the branches on the tree
That we carved our initials in seem to bend and take the shape of them
And oh can't you see
I am delusional with love I am delusional with love I am delusional with love

Whatever I did for you last year I cannot do again
It's getting harder and harder and harder and harder for me to call you friend
No matter how many times I say I won't ill defend you if I can
But whatever I did for you last year I cannot do again

I like the in-between's I like the time it takes to get somewhere
If you know what I mean
Put both your hands in the air like you just don't care
I just don't care I just don't care I just don't care I just don't care

All the branches on the tree
That we carved our initials in seem to bend and take the shape of them




And oh can't you see
I am delusional with love I am delusional with love I am delusional with love

Overall Meaning

In The Front Bottoms’ song “Cough It Out,” the singer reflects on his feelings about the passing of time, lost love, and conflicted friendships. The song begins with a longing for summer as it snows outside, but acknowledges that when summertime arrives, nostalgia for winter will set in. The line “they don’t call me Mr. Greenside for no reason” is obscure, but suggests that the singer is perhaps known for his love of nature or the outdoors. When someone calls him by this name, he is jolted back to reality and must “cough it out” to dispel the fantasy.


The song progresses to memories of past love and a deep desire to feel love again, however delusional it may be. The image of carved initials on branches of trees is common and romantic, but the singer takes it a step further, imagining the branches bending to take the shape of the initials. As the lyrics repeat, “I am delusional with love,” the singer’s fantasies become more consuming.


In the final section, the song shifts to address a conflicted friendship. The singer forgives his friend but acknowledges that whatever he did in the past, he cannot do it again. While still willing to defend his friend, he finds it increasingly difficult to remain close. The conclusion brings the listener back to the present moment, proclaiming the singer’s love for the process of getting somewhere, rather than the destination itself.


Line by Line Meaning

It's snowing right now I wish it was summer
I am feeling discontent and desiring something that I do not have at this moment.


But when the summer rolls around ill wish I was freezing
Regardless of the season, there will always be a desire for something different.


They don't call me Mr. Greenside for no reason
I have a reputation or characteristic that is known and recognized by others.


When they do I pause and cough it out
When others reference my known characteristic, I acknowledge it and potentially laugh it off.


I cough it out I cough it out I cough it out
I actively recognize and respond to mention of my characteristic.


All the branches on the tree
The physical object from the past that holds sentimental value.


That we carved our initials in seem to bend and take the shape of them
The sentimental value is so strong that it feels as though the tree has 'remembered' and taken on the shape of the carved initials.


And oh can't you see
I am so strongly attached to this sentimental object that it is obvious to others.


I am delusional with love I am delusional with love I am delusional with love
The sentimental object represents a love that may be unhealthy or obsessive.


I don't care if you're not sorry I forgive you
Regardless of whether or not the other person takes responsibility and apologizes, I have chosen to let go of resentment and move forward.


And with or without your support I will continue
I am strong enough to pursue my goals and beliefs with or without the support of others.


What I'm trying to say is you never know what you've been through
It can be difficult to truly understand and appreciate past experiences until reflecting on them later.


'Till you pause and cough it out
It takes a moment of introspection to fully process and understand past experiences.


All the branches on the tree
The physical object from the past that holds sentimental value.


That we carved our initials in seem to bend and take the shape of them
The sentimental value is so strong that it feels as though the tree has 'remembered' and taken on the shape of the carved initials.


And oh can't you see
I am so strongly attached to this sentimental object that it is obvious to others.


I am delusional with love I am delusional with love I am delusional with love
The sentimental object represents a love that may be unhealthy or obsessive.


Whatever I did for you last year I cannot do again
I have limits and it is not always possible to repeat past actions or behaviors.


It's getting harder and harder and harder and harder for me to call you friend
The relationship dynamic has shifted to a point where it is becoming difficult to maintain a positive, friendly connection.


No matter how many times I say I won't ill defend you if I can
Despite the difficulties in the relationship, I will still stand up for and protect the other person if possible.


But whatever I did for you last year I cannot do again
I have limits and it is not always possible to repeat past actions or behaviors.


I like the in-between's I like the time it takes to get somewhere
I appreciate the journey and the process, rather than just focusing on the destination.


If you know what I mean
I am attempting to be humorous and make a joke that not everyone may understand.


Put both your hands in the air like you just don't care
A playful, lighthearted expression that encourages others to let loose and have fun.


I just don't care I just don't care I just don't care I just don't care
Emphasizing the carefree attitude and playful nature; not taking things too seriously.


All the branches on the tree
The physical object from the past that holds sentimental value.


That we carved our initials in seem to bend and take the shape of them
The sentimental value is so strong that it feels as though the tree has 'remembered' and taken on the shape of the carved initials.


And oh can't you see
I am so strongly attached to this sentimental object that it is obvious to others.


I am delusional with love I am delusional with love I am delusional with love
The sentimental object represents a love that may be unhealthy or obsessive.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@LenaBear1998

From a broken 17 year old lost in the streets humming this to the 24 year old woman who is in college and thriving , I cough it out

@leboomy

god i am so proud of you. i hope you're still doing so well<3

@panicatthedishsoap7483

All of their songs sound happy or sad depending on your mood....

@PeepsILoveEllie

this. yes. this kind of makes for their unique quality.

@greengrasslandscapingsolut7608

Tru

@kelceyfirth

It’s happy music with sad lyrics/vocals

@the_maskjs

i always feel both at the same time. confusing but great..

@ericlandon6339

Instablaster...

@jxomxo

“It’s getting harder and harder and harder and harder for me to call you ‘friend’.
No matter how many times I say I won’t I’ll defend you if I can,
But whatever I did for you last year I cannot do again.”

This song hits home so hard. I’m just too apologetic and I have no idea if that’s a good thing or bad thing.

@inheaveneverythingsfine

it depends on whether you're a good or bad person as long as your intentions are pure id think it shows good in you:)

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