The Approaching Curve

The song is not as clear cut as some have suggested it be with regards to a break-up or suicide song. I don't think it has much to with death at all except in regards to the death of their relationship. The main theme of this tune is the breakdown of a relationship that was once good and the idea that relationships are not easy or clear cut. Many loving relationships end, and many loveless ones linger. In this case, and for reasons only lightly touched on, the male has decided on a break or separation. It doesn't really matter hy but it is hinted at with the line "Then I was shouting, now pouring confessions, having no answers, or solutions, and we barely could even hear the questions", but the woman is less agreeable with the outcome, evident by her comment "why are you doing this?". It is clear that they once had something great and even as it deteriorated projected that to the outside world even as they were decending into tears. They both still care and perhaps even love each other but the male has decided it is better for both (or maybe just him) to separate, rather than stay together simply because they are used to it and it is what they know. The drive could be for any reason, perhaps they took a drive to talk about things and the part we hear is after the decision has been made, they may be returning from a trip that did not go well and has led to this point.

The title of the song (The Approaching Curve) is a metaphor for this decision to separate. It is a new curve in the road, something different and neither know what is around the bend. I don't think it is clear that death is imminent even though some lyrics suggest that may be the case. I feel when he refers to "drowing'" it more symbolic of the relationship. He is saying that the tears that killed (or drowned) their relationship will have "long since dried" down the track after their separation. I feel he is saying that even though it is bad now these tears will dry and everyone will only remember their good times because that is all they showed. "As we were, so perfect ,so happy. They'll remember, only our smiles because that's all they've seen. Long since dried, when we are found, are the tears in which we had drowned. As we were, so perfect, so happy."

The final part about the curve aproaching and her making no indication of slowing does not mean she has decided to crash and take their lives. It is a metaphor for the unknown. Yes she may have that in her mind, she may not, I don't think we are meant to know that only that it is an ption in the unknown ahead. I think no one knows what is going to happen at that curve or in the future around that bend. It is symbolic of the ending of their relationship, the curve you cannot see around to the other side. The bridge of the chorus and instrumental gives us "dont put me underground, I was meant for a life somewhere else". I do not think he is talking about underground as in being 'dead and buried'. Being put underground would be outcome if they stayed together, trapped in this happy/unhappy cycle. He wants a life somewhere else, not this life.

The part where he says "Please love give me the wheel, before both of our hearts you will steal tonight" is the clearest indication that they both did, and perhaps still do love each other. He is saying that if he doesn't take the wheel and direct things where he wants to go (ending it) that love could steal their hearts and direct him into something he does not choose.