Song meaning of Stranglehold by brhêtorík

The lyrics of the song "Stranglehold" by rhêtorík delve into the struggles of dealing with societal pressures, mental health issues, and the constant interference of others in one's life. The artist expresses frustration with people who try to offer advice without truly understanding the individual's experiences, emotions, and personal battles. The phrase "stranglehold" metaphorically represents the controlling grip that these external influences have on the artist's life.

Verse 1 explores the artist's daily struggle with depression and anxiety, highlighting how others often fail to comprehend the depth of these internal conflicts. The artist feels compelled to hide behind insecurities and present a false image to the world, concealing their true feelings. This demonstrates the pressure placed upon individuals to conform to societal expectations.

In the chorus, the repetition of the line "my life is in your stranglehold" emphasizes the suffocating nature of the external influences that dictate the artist's actions and choices. The artist implies that there are people who derive satisfaction from having control over their life, perpetuating their misery and disregarding their well-being.

Verse 2 delves further into the artist's need for solitude and self-reflection. The artist yearns for space to clear their mind and escape the judgment and intrusion of others. The line "I really hope I don't go crazy" emphasizes the fear of losing control and succumbing to the overwhelming pressures imposed by society.

The bridge expresses the artist's desire to break free from the cycle of overthinking and societal expectations. The constant repetition of "running in circles" signifies the artist's feelings of being trapped and unable to escape the patterns that constrain their life.

The song concludes by reiterating the frustration of taking advice from people the artist does not even like. This highlights the inherent contradiction in seeking guidance from individuals who lack a genuine understanding of their struggles. The artist asserts the importance of breaking free from the confines of others' influences and regaining control over their own life.

Overall, "Stranglehold" delivers a powerful message about the detrimental impact of societal pressures and the necessity of prioritizing mental well-being in the face of external interference. It encourages listeners to assert their own agency and resist being confined by the expectations and judgments of others.