Choker
Summary
"Choker" captures the struggle of feeling invisible and weighed down by anxiety. It explores self-doubt and the challenge of moving past pain, all while highlighting a longing for connection.
Full Analysis
The overall theme of "Choker" revolves around dealing with anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. The narrator seems to feel trapped in their own mind, overwhelmed by circumstances that make it hard to reach out for help. There's a sense of loneliness and realization that no one else can change their situation for them. It’s a song about coming to terms with one’s struggles and the journey toward self-acceptance.
Verse 1
I don't bother anyone
Nervous when I stand
Chokin' on the circumstance
Only smokin' secondhand
Cut us open, spread us out
Dry us in the sand
Lay the fibers side by side
and you'll begin to understand
This verse sets the tone for the song. The narrator feels anxious and almost apologetic for existing. They mention "chokin' on the circumstance," which paints a vivid picture of feeling overwhelmed by their situation. The imagery of being "cut open" and "spread out" suggests vulnerability and a desire to be understood. It’s like they want to show their true self but feel exposed and fragile.
Chorus
I know it's over
I was born a choker
Nobody's comin' for me
Comin' for me
In the chorus, the narrator acknowledges a painful truth: they feel like a "choker," someone who struggles to connect or express themselves. This line hits hard because it speaks to a deep sense of resignation. The repetition of "Nobody's comin' for me" emphasizes their loneliness and the belief that they must face their battles alone. It’s a cry for help wrapped in acceptance of their fate.
Verse 2
I don't bother anyone
Never make demands
Chokin' on the circumstance
Self-sabotage is a sweet romance
Seems like all I'm worth is
what I'm able to withstand
Sooner I can realize
that pain is just a middleman
This verse continues to explore feelings of inadequacy. The narrator doesn’t want to be a burden, which leads to self-sabotage. They describe this as a "sweet romance," hinting that there’s a twisted comfort in their pain. It’s like they’ve become so familiar with their struggles that they don’t know how to let go. The line about realizing pain as a "middleman" suggests that they see suffering as a step toward something better, even if they don’t know how to get there.
Chorus
I know it's over
I was born a choker
Nobody's comin' for me
Repeating the chorus reinforces the themes of resignation and isolation. Each time it plays, it feels heavier, like the weight of their struggles keeps piling up. The narrator is stuck in this cycle, grappling with their identity as someone who feels unworthy of help or connection.
Bridge
I see no volunteers to cosign on my fears
I'll sign on the line
Alone, you're gonna change my circumstance
I know I need to move right now
In the bridge, the narrator acknowledges their fears but realizes that no one else will validate them. This moment is a turning point. They express a desire to change their situation but recognize that it’s up to them. This self-awareness is crucial. It shows they’re starting to take responsibility for their life, even if it’s scary.
Outro
'Cause I know it's over
I was born a choker
Nobody's comin' for me
(only smokin' secondhand)
I know it's over
I was born a choker
Nobody's comin' for me
Comin' for me
Like a little splinter buried in your skin
Someone else can carve it out, but when you've got the pin
It hurts a little less and you can even push it further in
When your body's screamin' out, trust your mind's listenin'
Like a silhouette that you can barely see
As a shadow cast upon the ground where you'll eventually
Lay forever, but the day goes on, the sun moves behind you
You get taller, bolder, stronger and the rearview only blinds you
The outro ties everything together. It revisits the idea of feeling trapped but introduces the metaphor of a splinter. It’s about recognizing that while someone else can help, there’s a certain control in dealing with pain yourself. The lines about getting "taller, bolder, stronger" suggest growth and resilience, showing that while the past is heavy, there's hope in moving forward.
Closing Thoughts
"Choker" is a deep dive into mental health and the struggle with self-worth. It beautifully captures the complexities of feeling alone while also hinting at a path to growth. The song is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s strength in recognizing our pain and working toward change.
Full Lyrics
▼
Mmh-mm, mmh-mm
Mmh-mm, mmh-mm
I don't bother anyone
Nervous when I stand
Chokin' on the circumstance
Only smokin' secondhand (mmh-mm)
Cut us open, spread us out (mmh-mm)
Dry us in the sand (mmh-mm)
Lay the fibers side by side (mmh-mm) and you'll begin to understand (mmh-mm)
I know it's over
I was born a choker
Nobody's comin' for me
Comin' for me
Mmh-mm (I know it's over), mmh-mm
Mmh-mm
I don't bother anyone
Never make demands
Chokin' on the circumstance
Self-sabotage is a sweet romance (mmh-mm)
Seems like all I'm worth is (mmh-mm) what I'm able to withstand (mmh-mm)
Sooner I can realize (mmh-mm) that pain is just a middleman (mmh-mm)
I know it's over
I was born a choker
Nobody's comin' for me
I see no volunteers to cosign on my fears
I'll sign on the line
Alone, you're gonna change my circumstance
I know I need to move right now
'Cause I know it's over
I was born a choker
Nobody's comin' for me (only smokin' secondhand)
I know it's over
I was born a choker
Nobody's comin' for me
Comin' for me
Like a little splinter buried in your skin
Someone else can carve it out, but when you've got the pin
It hurts a little less and you can even push it further in
When your body's screamin' out, trust your mind's listenin'
Like a silhouette that you can barely see
As a shadow cast upon the ground where you'll eventually
Lay forever, but the day goes on, the sun moves behind you
You get taller, bolder, stronger and the rearview only blinds you
Mmh-mm, mmh-mm, mmh-mm