Birds of Tokyo – If This Ship Sinks (I Give In)

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  My Interpretation:the above comments seem very true...its does indeed seem like a song about a broken relationship. but to me it seems like its about something else.
  
  to me its a song about depression...more specifically bipolar disorder (before you get help).
  
  the first half of the song is the manic half of your mind, which is in part demonstrated by the upbeat music behind the lyrics. irritated, frustrated... feeling rejected by those who love you (even though that may not necessarily be reality). broken relationships, scared of the unknown future... these things all sound more like the depressed half of your mind, however it is possible to feel depressed and energetic/manic at the same time.
  
  now the second part of the song is where he self medicates....with alcohol or drugs...its doesn't really matter... but the change in tempo and instruments indicates this... and it feels like that to someone who does it. the feelings of despair and hopelessness remain but the substance abuse 'numbs' you to this and makes you feel 'weightless'... then eventually he eludes to suicide...or suicide ideation...
  
  this interpretation may seem a bit farfetched to some people but i must say to some people battling mental illness it will probably seem very feasible.

  Flag emc2410on June 08, 2011   Link

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• +1
  My Interpretation:Maybe its just because of my situation but i think this song is about the motions you go through when you've gone through a break up.
  
  He is in shock with the outcome of the relationship because he didn’t see it coming (i didn’t see the warning signs ahead) which makes it hurt even more because he had the feeling that the relationship was strong and is hurting so much. He gets confused and guilty but its more of an amicable, mutual break up (you were always so good to me; even when it was so hard to be).
  I feel situation has broken them up rather than feelings (I sailed too far out to sea) as in he has all these responsibilities and dreams he cannot back away from them. this may be supported by (I can't stop this train, I can't get off; But I can't go back, I've come too far to stop).
  
  The way it changes from a fast paced rock number to a slow, mellow, instrumental song represents (to me) how at first you're angry (I wanna stop this goddamn beating heart), to hurt (It's killing me, this is killing me), to confusion (I'm trying to get my head straight; I didn't see the warning signs ahead), to regret and bargaining (If I could make it all right I would; I never thought I’d say these things to you), to the realization of the situation that you need to follow your own path (There's too many roads, I need to stumble down).
  
  Then it becomes slow, this slow part makes me think of how you feel when you're alone at night in bed wishing they'd call and they don’t and the loneliness sinks in and you make yourself realize it is over, you are alone, they are gone forever and you must face it. Then the reason you had to leave becomes this huge risk, a Goliath endeavor which you cannot see as a good choice because there is no payback (I sailed myself too far out to sea; On favored whims that won't sing for me). You see that there is no escape from the inevitable and you discover what you will become to her, just a memory (There'll be no rescue, no finding me; as I become an old memory; You once knew, you once knew).
  This realization crushes you as you become engulfed by this sea, or choice, you're sailing into and you feel silent and weightless. your choice carries you and you just get taken by it with little control (as the tide carries me) into the unknown (darker water) where you are praying, hoping and expecting some reward, resolution or closure (where I believe; Something's down here waiting for me). You become numb by the situation and become distanced to it all as it becomes the past and you move through your decision (The numbing cold is taking from me; Everything, I'm so far beneath).
  The last lines represents to me the way you look back and always think of the ‘what if's’ to discover she hasn't turned away from you, you're the one who left, but she is looking at you while you're looking at her telling you that she has gone through exactly what you have and there is still hope for the future, even though thats not what either of you will work towards.
  You finally move on after you look back that one last time and Ian starts Singing that melody which is you releasing all the tension, anger, sadness, anxiety and guilt you've been holding onto during the whole process and it eventually fades quietly as your feelings towards her also become (an old memory; you once knew, you once knew).
  
  Sorry this interpretation is so long but i just kept writing. doubt anyone will read it all but it felt good to write it :P
  
  Thank you Birds, this song is just amazing and what i need.

  Flag awh327on August 30, 2010   Link

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    +1

    Best interpretation awh!
    Love this song, love the Birds.
    Can relate to this song alot.

    Flag kirsticoreon October 04, 2010  

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    Thanks kristi :) i wasnt sure if anyone would read my speil but you did so it was worth it :)
    goodluck through whatever this song is helping you though. i know its helped me incredibly

    Flag awh327on October 05, 2010  

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    i love your reason for the pace of the song in comparison to feelings you go through during a break up - even if you're the one doing the breaking... so true, so very well said

    Flag juniorloveson October 20, 2010  

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    Thanks juniorlove great to receive feedback to my interpretations :-{D (moe smiley for movember!)
    I have listened to this so so many times :D
    another good album which is similar in some respects to this whole break up thing is ou est le swimming pool's 'the golden year'.
    curtain falls has lyrics like "had it been another place had it been another time you'd be standing here with me our hearts entwined" give it a listen if you feel :)
    next to nothing has great lyrics too (and i just added them to songmeanings :)

    Flag awh327on November 02, 2010  
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  General Comment:so, the beginning of this song sounds like he's reluctantly breaking up with someone and as he starts, he is tempted to stop and stay with her ('But I can't go back I've come too far to stop') but he has to keep going and break up...
  
  but the end of the song seems to be more about suicide? i hope its just saying that as the break up becomes old he'll just become a memory as all ex's are? i dont like thinking of kenny being suicidal so i prefer that option!
  
  and i agree, this song is amazing, pretty sure its my favourite from this album :)
  

  Flag juniorloveson August 06, 2010   Link

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    i believe this song is about a guy getting to the point that has made him so miserable he has no idea what other option he has left, he cant help the way he feels and would love to change everything, yet he is stuck and cant change anything. although his feelings are taking him on a road he doesnt wana go down. he has finnaly told the person he loves how he feels about everything, and believes he is stuck. though what he finds out is the person he loves has stuck by him and made him realise no matter how bad things get they will be there in the end. this gives him hope to change his outlook (as at the end of the song)
    
    Birds of tokyo one of the greats i believe!!

    Flag chrisF19on August 07, 2010  
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  General Comment:This song is amazing

  Flag shakeynon July 31, 2010   Link

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    Agreed.

    Flag inderhouseon August 02, 2010  

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