Song meaning of Fishes by Slow Pulp

The song "Fishes" by Slow Pulp seems to convey a message of self-reflection, self-acceptance, and the importance of recognizing one's own worth. The lyrics explore the idea of looking at a past life and wondering if one truly understands themselves, similar to how Lucy (potentially a metaphor for someone significant) might not fully comprehend the speaker's experiences. 

The mention of fishes mounted on a glass wall symbolizes being observed and judged. The line "Watching me cry to screen, saying I hope that this lasts" suggests the pressure of being watched and hoping to prove oneself. The repetition of "try and fail, and try and fail, and try it all again" conveys a sense of persistent effort and the desire to catch oneself, to succeed and break free from a cycle of disappointment.

The chorus emphasizes the need to recognize one's own value, comparing oneself to the winning size of fishes. The line "Like I know that I'm the prize" suggests the necessity of understanding one's worth and embracing oneself. 

In the second verse, the lyrics touch upon the speaker's conflicting feelings towards themselves. They mention liking themselves "only when I'm alone," indicating a struggle with self-acceptance. The metaphor of removing sugar from the water and it being sweetest on its own implies that self-discovery and self-love may be easier to attain when detached from external influences.

Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to recognize their own worth, embrace themselves, and find validation from within rather than seeking it from others. The repetition of "The fishes and their winning size" at the end reinforces this message and serves as a reminder to believe in oneself.