Lyric discussion by sapphireskies 

Cover art for Swan Dive lyrics by Ani DiFranco

i don't think this is about wanting to kill yourself... it's about realizing you're strong and can do anything and can handle life as it comes at you.

» there's got to be more than this boat i'm in « i think she means she's been sheltered all her life, but now she's ready to get out and take control...

» because i built my own empire out of car tires and chicken wire and i'm queen of my own compost heap and i'm getting used to the smell « she's basically saying she created something from nothing...

» 'cause i don't care if they eat me alive i've got better thing to do than survive i've got a memory of your warm skin in my hand and i've got a vision of blue sky and dry land « she knows the only way you can be happy is by taking chances... she knows that it's OUT THERE SOMEWHERE... and that's what she's gonna hold onto...