Break Down
This Wild Life Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I just can′t keep this running
It's been seven years still nothing changes
I′m always waiting on you to break down
One record in my car, a quarter tank won't get me far
I'm stuck in the third, stuck in the dirt
A warm forty to quench my thirst

Nowhere to go, all alone
Singing your song, you′re not in shotgun

Forget my pain, forget my name
I′ve told you time and time again
That when you break down, I break down
Forget directions or bad intentions
I'm lost without your headlights
And when you break down, I break down

I guess I′m always running
Twenty seven years still I can't change it
I′m always waiting on you to break down
We made love in your car
The backseat so uncomfortable
I went right in and cried again
That smell still lingers on my skin

Nowhere to go, all alone
Singing your song, you're not in shotgun

Forget my pain, forget my name
I′ve told you time and time again
That when you break down, I break down
Forget directions or bad intentions




I'm lost without your headlights
And when you break down, I break down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Break Down" by This Wild Life convey a sense of longing and emotional dependence on someone who constantly disappoints and leaves the singer feeling stuck and lost. The opening lines capture the frustration and hopelessness of the situation, as the singer expresses their inability to keep things running smoothly despite years passing without any changes. They are always waiting for the other person to break down, implying that their relationship is fraught with instability and emotional breakdowns.


The mention of "one record in my car, a quarter tank won't get me far" paints a picture of a stagnant and limited existence. The singer feels stuck in the third gear, metaphorically representing their inability to move forward or progress in their life. They are "stuck in the dirt," symbolizing a feeling of being trapped and unable to escape their circumstances. The reference to a "warm forty" likely refers to seeking temporary relief and distraction through alcohol, suggesting that the singer uses substances to numb their pain and quench their thirst for something more fulfilling.


The chorus emphasizes the singer's dependence on this person, describing how they are lost without their presence. The repetition of "when you break down, I break down" highlights the interconnectedness of their emotions, implying that the singer's own mental state is closely tied to the other person's. They yearn for the other person's companionship, direction, and support, expressing a sense of emptiness and longing when they are not around.


In the second verse, the lyrics reveal that the singer has been running from their problems for a long time, as indicated by the mention of "twenty-seven years" without being able to change their situation. The reference to making love in the car suggests an intense and intimate connection with the other person, but even in that moment, the singer feels uncomfortable and emotionally overwhelmed, leading them to cry. The lingering smell on their skin serves as a lingering reminder of the emotional turmoil they experienced.


Overall, the lyrics of "Break Down" depict a relationship marked by disappointment, emotional pain, and dependence. The singer's longing for the other person's presence and the sense of being lost without them create a poignant and relatable portrayal of the complexities of human relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

I just can't keep this running
I am unable to sustain this relationship


It's been seven years still nothing changes
Even after such a long time, nothing has improved


I'm always waiting on you to break down
I constantly rely on your vulnerability to connect with you


One record in my car, a quarter tank won't get me far
With limited resources, I lack the means to move forward


I'm stuck in the third, stuck in the dirt
I feel trapped and unable to make progress


A warm forty to quench my thirst
Seeking temporary relief with an alcoholic beverage


Nowhere to go, all alone
Feeling aimless and isolated


Singing your song, you're not in shotgun
Reminiscing about the past when we used to share moments together


Forget my pain, forget my name
Begging for a release from emotional burden and anonymity


I've told you time and time again
Repeatedly expressing my feelings and thoughts to you


That when you break down, I break down
Your vulnerability affects me deeply


Forget directions or bad intentions
Let go of plans and negative motives


I'm lost without your headlights
Without your guidance, I feel directionless


And when you break down, I break down
Your emotional breakdown impacts me immensely


I guess I'm always running
I am constantly trying to escape or avoid something


Twenty seven years still I can't change it
Despite my age, I am unable to alter my circumstances


I'm always waiting on you to break down
I am always anticipating your vulnerability


We made love in your car
We were physically intimate in your vehicle


The backseat so uncomfortable
The experience was physically unpleasant


I went right in and cried again
Afterward, I immediately succumbed to tears


That smell still lingers on my skin
The lingering scent serves as a constant reminder of that moment




Writer(s): Anthony William Del Grosso, Kevin Tyler Jordan

Contributed by Declan E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

This Wild Life

🐶 We've got a new video for 'Come Back Down' out now! Watch it at http://youtu.be/-zEGEVcN1gI and see more TWL videos at http://youtube.com/thiswildlife 🌻

Eunice Anita

You guys truly make beautiful music, and i know yall probably wont see this comment , but u guys meant so much to my big brother, he died 2 years ago, and it was him that introduced me to you guys from "Sleepwalking" and ive been obsessed with you guys 😞 and so sad he's missing out on all these wonderful songs 😞❤️💔

Sofía Isabell

Cada canción que cantan la siento en el alma... ustedes cantan con el corazón. Gracias por hacer buena música♡ Los quiero :)

Katy Snow

Thanks for breaking my heart into a million pieces and sending me into a downward spiral of feelings, guys

Luis Gonzalez

:(

Road Tested

She was a KT also :'( waaaaaaaaaaaaah it hurts so fucking bad!

IAmHeroiik

This Wild Life can seriously do absolutely NO wrong. Every song. Every album/EP. It's all pure gold

Alex

Never had a song hit so close and feel like it was made for me and this exact situation I've been in. Leaving a 7yr relationship at 27yrs old bc the emotional turmoil we were living in was just too much😪
Beautiful song TWL, thank youu🥺💕

Denise Ramirez

Is it me, or is Anthony s voice underrated? like...sir, please continue with your lovely singing. so stoked to finally see yall

Ezmez

Que buena banda!!! Ya con 27 años y escuchar toda mi vida blink182, es muy lindo tener una banda mas madura para disfrutar.

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