If This Ship Sinks (I Give In)

Maybe its just because of my situation but i think this song is about the motions you go through when you've gone through a break up.

He is in shock with the outcome of the relationship because he didn’t see it coming (i didn’t see the warning signs ahead) which makes it hurt even more because he had the feeling that the relationship was strong and is hurting so much. He gets confused and guilty but its more of an amicable, mutual break up (you were always so good to me; even when it was so hard to be). I feel situation has broken them up rather than feelings (I sailed too far out to sea) as in he has all these responsibilities and dreams he cannot back away from them. this may be supported by (I can't stop this train, I can't get off; But I can't go back, I've come too far to stop).

The way it changes from a fast paced rock number to a slow, mellow, instrumental song represents (to me) how at first you're angry (I wanna stop this goddamn beating heart), to hurt (It's killing me, this is killing me), to confusion (I'm trying to get my head straight; I didn't see the warning signs ahead), to regret and bargaining (If I could make it all right I would; I never thought I’d say these things to you), to the realization of the situation that you need to follow your own path (There's too many roads, I need to stumble down).

Then it becomes slow, this slow part makes me think of how you feel when you're alone at night in bed wishing they'd call and they don’t and the loneliness sinks in and you make yourself realize it is over, you are alone, they are gone forever and you must face it. Then the reason you had to leave becomes this huge risk, a Goliath endeavor which you cannot see as a good choice because there is no payback (I sailed myself too far out to sea; On favored whims that won't sing for me). You see that there is no escape from the inevitable and you discover what you will become to her, just a memory (There'll be no rescue, no finding me; as I become an old memory; You once knew, you once knew). This realization crushes you as you become engulfed by this sea, or choice, you're sailing into and you feel silent and weightless. your choice carries you and you just get taken by it with little control (as the tide carries me) into the unknown (darker water) where you are praying, hoping and expecting some reward, resolution or closure (where I believe; Something's down here waiting for me). You become numb by the situation and become distanced to it all as it becomes the past and you move through your decision (The numbing cold is taking from me; Everything, I'm so far beneath). The last lines represents to me the way you look back and always think of the ‘what if's’ to discover she hasn't turned away from you, you're the one who left, but she is looking at you while you're looking at her telling you that she has gone through exactly what you have and there is still hope for the future, even though thats not what either of you will work towards. You finally move on after you look back that one last time and Ian starts Singing that melody which is you releasing all the tension, anger, sadness, anxiety and guilt you've been holding onto during the whole process and it eventually fades quietly as your feelings towards her also become (an old memory; you once knew, you once knew).

Sorry this interpretation is so long but i just kept writing. doubt anyone will read it all but it felt good to write it :P

Thank you Birds, this song is just amazing and what i need.