Real As Ever Lyrics – Jack Harris

Real As Ever Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, the singer describes a deep sense of coldness and emotional numbness, to the point where they put their hand over a flame to feel something, anything, even pain. This act is a desperate attempt to regain control over their overwhelming feelings. They also express a fear of opening up to others, worried that they might sound crazy, indicating a sense of isolation. The mention of “I’ve been here before” suggests a cycle of recurring struggles with mental health.

[Pre-Chorus]
In the pre-chorus, the singer describes the physical symptoms of their anxiety, feeling a tightness in their chest and even sensing that their heart might stop. It highlights the intensity of their emotions and panic. The reference to the doctor increasing their medication shows they are actively seeking help, but they feel like the relief they need has faded away.

[Chorus]
The chorus captures the inner conflict the singer experiences. They understand that their struggles are primarily mental, yet the feelings are undeniably intense and real. They mention practicing breath control as a coping mechanism, trying to manage their symptoms and find some relief. Despite recognizing that their worries are overblown, they wish for these feelings to pass, reinforcing the sense of frustration and helplessness they feel.

[Post-Chorus]
The post-chorus emphasizes the reality of their emotions, repeating the notion that while they know it’s all in their head, it feels incredibly tangible and significant.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, the singer expresses disbelief at finding themselves in this state again, searching online for solutions to their problems. This search for answers reflects their desperation and frustration, as they feel stuck in a cycle of anxiety. The line about returning to their old self being a miracle underscores their feeling of hopelessness.

[Pre-Chorus]
This pre-chorus mirrors the earlier one, emphasizing the physical manifestation of anxiety once again. The singer feels shaky and anxious, and the mention of the doctor’s intervention highlights the ongoing struggle with mental health management.

[Chorus]
Repeating the chorus reinforces the central themes of the song. The singer again acknowledges that their battles are in their mind, but the experience feels just as real. They continue to practice breath control, hoping to find some respite from their symptoms, reflecting a persistent struggle with anxiety and a longing for things to get better.

[Post-Chorus]
This repetition continues to affirm the depth of their emotional experience, reiterating the contrast between knowing their issues are mental and the reality of their pain.

[Bridge]
In the bridge, the singer describes their state of mind as feeling like a nightmare rather than a dream, highlighting the fear and anxiety that invade their sleep. They feel suffocated by their emotions, with the metaphorical “monster” symbolizing their fears and anxieties. The need for fresh air indicates a desire to escape these feelings, emphasizing how overwhelming their situation has become.

[Outro]
The outro revisits the themes established throughout the song, reinforcing the idea that while the struggles are mental, they are very much felt in a real way. The singer is still trying to manage their symptoms, holding their breath in an attempt to feel better. This repetition highlights a cycle of hope and frustration, leaving the listener with a poignant sense of ongoing struggle.