Angel
by NewDad
Summary
"Angel" by NewDad is about feeling broken and unworthy while yearning for someone who seems perfect. The singer struggles with their own issues, fearing they'll drag the other person down.
Full Analysis
The overall theme of the song dives deep into feelings of inadequacy and the fear of being a burden. The singer feels lost and broken, while the other person appears grounded and kind. This contrast highlights how difficult it can be to accept love when you’re battling your own demons. The singer's desire to be like the other person shows a longing for connection but also a painful awareness of their own flaws.
Verse 1
You're sweet, but I'm sick
I hurt myself for kicks
I'm lost but you're found
Both feet firmly on the ground
In this verse, the singer starts by acknowledging the sweetness of the other person while admitting their own struggles. The line "I hurt myself for kicks" reveals a self-destructive tendency, hinting at deeper issues. The contrast between feeling lost and seeing someone who's stable sets the stage for a sense of inadequacy. It’s like they’re saying, “I’m in a bad place, and you’re doing so well.”
Chorus
And I'm so high, but still so low
I think I'm losing my mind
You're an angel
I'm just trying to be like you
Even if it's painful
The chorus captures the conflict between feeling elevated yet deeply low. The phrase "losing my mind" suggests a struggle with mental health, while calling someone an angel highlights their purity and goodness. The desire to be like this angelic figure shows the singer's yearning for change, even if it comes with pain. It’s a mix of admiration and desperation.
Verse 2
You can swim around
But I don't
Want you to drown inside me
It's not fair to be your responsibility
This verse shifts to an awareness of the singer's impact on the other person. They don’t want their issues to weigh down the one they admire. The metaphor of swimming suggests freedom, but the fear of drowning reveals a protective instinct. The singer knows that their struggles are heavy, and it’s almost like they’re pushing the other person away to prevent them from getting hurt.
Chorus
You can swim around
But I don't
Want you to drown inside me
It's not fair to be your responsibility
Repeating the chorus emphasizes the singer's protective feelings. It underlines the concern that love can come with burdens that aren’t fair to place on someone else. The repetition also highlights the urgency and depth of these fears, making it clear they’re stuck in this thought process.
Bridge
You're kind, but I'm not
It seems that I forgot how to care
About anything but my own despair
And you have a good heart
But I'm sure mine's stopped
And it won't restart
I think it's broken
So you can't own it
The bridge gets really personal and heavy. The singer admits their own kindness is lacking, and they’ve lost touch with their ability to care. Saying their heart is broken shows a feeling of hopelessness. It’s almost like they’re saying they’re not worthy of the other person's love because they can't give back. This vulnerability makes the song even more relatable.
Outro
You can swim around
But I don't
Want you to drown inside me
It's not fair to be your responsibility
The outro repeats the earlier lines, reinforcing the main message. The repetition signifies that these feelings are unresolved. The singer’s concern for the other person remains strong, leaving a lingering sense of sadness and longing. It’s a closing that feels incomplete, mirroring the singer’s own struggles.
Closing Thoughts
"Angel" is a heartfelt exploration of feeling unworthy in the face of someone who seems perfect. The lyrics balance vulnerability with deep self-awareness, creating a relatable narrative of love complicated by personal struggles. It’s a reminder of how important it is to recognize our own worth, even when we feel broken.
Full Lyrics
▼
I hurt myself for kicks
I'm lost but you're found
Both feet firmly on the ground
And I'm so high, but still so low
I think I'm losing my mind
You're an angel
I'm just trying to be like you
Even if it's painful
You can swim around
But I don't
Want you to drown inside me
It's not fair to be your responsibility
You're kind, but I'm not
It seems that I forgot how to care
About anything but my own despair
And you have a good heart
But I'm sure mine's stopped
And it won't restart
I think it's broken
So you can't own it
You can swim around
But I don't
Want you to drown inside me
It's not fair to be your responsibility
You can swim around
But I don't
Want you to drown inside me
It's not fair to be your responsibility