The Meaning Behind The Song: Fear of the Water by SYML

Introduction

SYML, the stage name of American musician Brian Fennell, released the hauntingly beautiful song “Fear of the Water” in 2016. With its introspective lyrics and captivating melody, this song has resonated with countless listeners around the world. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the lyrics of “Fear of the Water” and the emotions it evokes.

Table of Contents

Verse 1

“Some ancient call, that I’ve answered before
It lives in my walls, and it’s under the floor
If this was meant for me, why does it hurt so much?
And if you’re not made for me, why did we fall in love?”

In the first verse, SYML delves into the intricate nature of relationships. The reference to an “ancient call” suggests that the protagonist is confronting a familiar situation. The line “It lives in my walls, and it’s under the floor” implies that this experience resides deep within them, haunting their every move.

The lyrics also explore a sense of confusion and pain. Questioning the purpose of the pain they are experiencing, the protagonist wonders why something that was seemingly destined to be “meant for me” can cause so much hurt. The conflicting emotions of love and pain are further emphasized in the line “if you’re not made for me, why did we fall in love?”

Pre-Chorus

“Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no”

The repetition of “oh no” in the pre-chorus emphasizes the narrator’s growing anxiety and fear. It serves as a musical interlude, preparing listeners for the emotional intensity of the upcoming chorus.

Verse 2

“A knock at my door, I thought I was alone
Unaware of what I thought I needed, I drop like a stone
If I’m not mistaken, then I was the last one to know
And if you return for me, I’d never want for more”

The second verse provides a moment of realization for the narrator. The unexpected knock at the door disrupts their solitude, challenging their perception of independence. Discovering what they truly needed, the narrator metaphorically “drops like a stone,” surrendering themselves to vulnerability.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of uncertainty and being the last one to know. This implies that the narrator’s understanding of the situation came late, reminding us of the pain and confusion experienced in relationships. Despite this, they express a lingering hope that if their love were to return, they would not desire anything else.

Chorus

“Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
You’re dislocated, don’t be like that
And you smile when you dive in, like you’re never coming back
So hold my body, yeah, hold my breath
See your face when I blackout, I’m never coming back”

The chorus of “Fear of the Water” professes the fear and reluctance toward emotional involvement. The repetition of “oh no” serves as a reminder of the protagonist’s apprehension.

The line “You’re dislocated, don’t be like that” suggests a disconnection between the narrator and their loved one. The fear of being hurt again prompts the narrator to caution their partner against becoming emotionally detached.

The imagery of smiling while diving in, implying a lack of hesitation, highlights the dichotomy between their external facade and internal struggle. The lyrics conveys a fear of emotional commitment while longing for intimacy.

The chorus concludes with a sense of finality, as the narrator expresses their determination to never return, reinforcing their fear of the water and the vulnerability it represents.

Post-Chorus and Outro

“Fear of the water, fear of the water…”

The repetition of “fear of the water” in the post-chorus and outro serves as a poignant reminder of the central theme of the song. It encapsulates the emotional core of the lyrics, representing the fear of vulnerability and the reluctance to embrace the unknown.

In Conclusion

“Fear of the Water” by SYML weaves a poetic narrative around the complexities of love, pain, and vulnerability. Through introspective lyrics and a captivating melody, the song resonates with anyone who has experienced the fear of emotional entanglement.

Whether you’ve personally felt the fear of diving into the unknown or if the song has served as a bittersweet reminder of past experiences, SYML’s “Fear of the Water” continues to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide, reminding us of the universal nature of human emotions.