The Cure – Sinking

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I am slowing down
As the years go by
I am sinking
So I trick myself
Like everybody else
The secrets I hide
Twist me inside
They make me weaker

So I trick myself
Like everybody else
I crouch in fear and wait
I'll never feel again

If only I could remember
Anything at all

Send "Sinking" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by oofus

Track duration: 04:58

"Sinking" as written by Robert James Smith

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Sinking song meanings
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9 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:This is definitely one of my favourite Cure songs. The keyboards melody has a very "oceanic" feel which perfectly evokes the imagery of "sinking", and the music reaches a vivid climax towards the end. "I crouch in fear and wait" refers to each person's fear of their own mortality. "I trick myself" refers to how we disguise our fears by holding on to some faith (religion, etc). "If only I could remember" is also a very poignant line. It is sad to think that when we die we might not remember anything and we won't even remember that we ever existed. It relates to the existential notion of the absurdity of life.
    Flag vortex34on July 15, 2011   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:Here is what this wonderful song means to me.
    Now before anybody goes off, I do know Robert said its about aging.

    My interpretation, is an everlasting, inescapable depression.

    I am slowing down
    As the years go by
    I am sinking

    This sounds like somebody is giving up. They're not doing with their life(hence slowing down). Depression could last years, but it could also feel like years, even if its a few days. And sinking, they're losing the battle of depression. They can't tread the water.

    So I trick myself
    Like everybody else

    The secrets I hide
    Twist me inside
    They make me weaker

    When people are depressed, they generally trick themselves into thinking they're happy. The secrets he hides is all the things that depress and upset him. They not only affect them physically, but emotionally as well.

    I crouch in fear and wait
    I'll never feel again...
    If only I could remember
    Anything at all

    This sounds like sitting alone, thinking, wondering. Not believing they will feel anything other than the depression. They don't remember happiness, or good memories. The only thing on their mind is the depression.

    Remember, this is MY person interpretation. I am in no way saying this is what the song is about.
    Flag JlovesBon December 31, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I adore this song.
    It's about getting older.
    Obviously :)
    Flag CaterpillarGirlon October 29, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:of all the tracks on "head on the door" this one blew me away
    to me it feels like loseing touch with reality but monster probly right
    Flag amemton August 06, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Smith once said:

    "Despair at getting older and less true".

    is what Sinking is about. 4 comments about this song doesn't do it justice. This is a very very good song.
    Flag monster36604on December 08, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I CAN TALK IN ALL CAPS TOO.

    This is a pretty good song.
    Flag Anilandon June 07, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:What was that, jancsibohoc? I couldn't quite hear you. Yes, growing old.
    Flag mrpinkeyeon May 10, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think Robert Smith once said that this song is about getting older. I may be wrong, but ever since I heard that, -it makes sense.
    Flag Miss Darkkon March 25, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:THIS WASA I THINK THE FIRST OF MANY SIMILAR CURE SONGS LIKE A THUOSAND HOURS AND SUCH THROUGH TO TRUTH GOODNESS BEAUTY IN A WAY.
    NICE ONE FOR THE FIRST TRY TOO.
    THE SHORT TO THER POINT SCHEME PLUS A LONG MUSICAL INTRO-OUTRO
    Flag jancsibohocon March 03, 2005   Link

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