Ascend

The overall theme of the song explores the pain of being in a toxic relationship. The singer feels trapped, unable to see the truth while being hopeful. It’s a battle between optimism and reality, making it relatable for anyone who’s been in a similar situation. The lyrics reflect a cycle of doubt and realization that can be hard to break.

Verse 1

Why do you do this? When in the moment
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me
Eternal optimist, I make the best of it
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me

In this verse, the singer questions their partner's actions, feeling lost in the moment. The phrase "couldn't see what we had" shows a sense of denial about the relationship's toxicity. The line about being an "eternal optimist" hints that they try to see the good, even when it's clear things aren't right. This sets the stage for the internal conflict between hope and harsh reality.

Chorus

Why do you do this? When in the moment
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me
Eternal optimist, I make the best of it
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me

The chorus repeats the questions and reflections from the verse, driving home the message. This repetition highlights the frustration and confusion the singer feels. It’s like they’re stuck in a loop, struggling to break free from the toxicity while holding on to their optimistic nature. This makes the listener feel the weight of that emotional struggle.

Verse 2

Why do you do this? When in the moment
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me
Eternal optimist, I make the best of it
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me

This verse mirrors the first, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the singer's struggle. The repetition suggests that these feelings aren’t going away; they’re stuck in this cycle. It shows how hard it is to let go of something even when you know it’s not good for you. It’s a powerful reminder of how difficult it can be to face the truth.

Chorus

Why do you do this? When in the moment
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me
Eternal optimist, I make the best of it
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me

Once again, the chorus reinforces the main ideas. By repeating this section, the song captures the essence of feeling trapped in a toxic cycle. The listener can sense the weight of the singer's optimism clashing with the harshness of reality. It’s like they’re shouting for clarity but can’t seem to find it.

Bridge

Why do you do this? When in the moment
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me
Eternal optimist, I make the best of it
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me

The bridge follows the same lines, creating a sense of urgency and desperation. This part feels like a plea, as if the singer is reaching out for answers. It highlights their frustration and shows how deeply they want to understand their partner's choices. The repetition here feels almost like a mantra, emphasizing the struggle to confront the truth.

Outro

Why do you do this? When in the moment
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me
Eternal optimist, I make the best of it
Couldn't see what we had, it was toxic for me

In the outro, we see the same lines again, wrapping up the song with a sense of unresolved tension. It leaves the listener pondering the same questions, which mirrors the singer's ongoing emotional turmoil. The repetition in the outro suggests that these feelings remain, even after the song ends, highlighting the difficulty of moving on.

Closing Thoughts

"Ascend" captures the complicated feelings that come with being in a toxic relationship. The repetition of lyrics emphasizes the struggle between hope and reality, making it relatable. It’s a reminder that recognizing toxic patterns can be tough, but it’s an important step towards finding clarity and peace.