Swimming in the Flood

Tell me this song doesn't remind you of when you were a child. That's what I feel, at least.

I have to say, there are some great interpretations on here already. (I have gleaned some ideas from all of you based on my cursory glances.) Here's my initial interpretation:

I believe he accused his girlfriend of cheating, and it's not the first time. In fact, I think the whole premise of water is an allusion to boiling tempers. "...Been proven wrong your clouds your blanket," 'clouds' can be taken as a state of suspicion e.g. he was wrong about his suspicions of her and her blanket, which I believe is relating to sex.

Furthermore the "pity song" is actually him on her front lawn screaming out "what can I do?" and she doesn't respond. This is compounded by the fact that he screams out "we're swimming in a flood, you know?" He's actually asking her out loud to elicit a response.

Then finally he comes back to reality ("in the flesh"), "face to face" with the start of the argument and he forgets why it even started. Finally, the entire argument fades from his memory like arguments usually do. I don't know whether they make up, or not, I don't think so though.

Final note: "now all my lovers raise their cups" clearly this is signalling for anyone who has ever felt the same way to agree.

The only loose ends I'm curious about is why the water is referred to as a river sometimes. Maybe it's just to present more striking imagery. Who knows, but I love the song!!!

"What can I do? The river's overrun We're swimming in a flood, you know? I thought I felt your touch But the water's rising up Now all my lovers raise their cups"

so amazing...

While I love the other interpretations, this song has always had a different meaning to me.

The strings leading into the bass in the opening, something about it has this bittersweet but comforting feel to me. To me this song is hopeful but confused about love, or a new love. It is about a relationship between two people, one of them narrating the song. This person doesn't say they are drowning, but they are SWIMMING in the flood! It makes me so happy, to think that something so overwhelming and confusing, like love, can still be endured if your with the right person. When they say 'what can i do?' and 'you know?' they are asking the other can you believe this? Or are you with me? Like a flood, love is overwhelming, but there swimming in it! Anyone else ever think of it like that?

In an interview with ABC, Michael said one of the songs on the new album was about the end of the world. This is clearly it.

I really love this song.

I thought I felt your touch But the water's rising up...

Best line.

Wow...this might be my favorite off the new album. Those strings at the beginning, and then the drum machine popping in, is so....well, I'll stop gushing. Except I'm afraid I don't have any meaningful analysis to add. Oh well. :P

I was only half listening the first time I heard this song (doing homework) and I thought he said, "In the flesh, face to face with Beyonce." Much better lyric. I think Passion Pit should make this a regular ad lib during their live shows.

This band is so original, their sound is so striking and emotional and just cool. I feel like you could get a lot of meaning out of this song if you were going through something and heard this song. But there's nothing in my life to relate these words to right now. I'm just listening to it, enjoying the sound, liking how it makes me feel.

I feel this song can have a much more deeper meaning. I almost feel as it can relate to a relationship that you know is no good for you but you can't help but go back to it. I feel around for it and think the second time around might be different but again you're wrong. Just a thought