☝️ Key Points
- The lyrics describe the feelings and emotions one experiences when in love and then disappointed.
- It's about feeling happy and secure at first, but then suddenly falling and facing the consequences.
- The lyrics also touch on competition and comparing oneself to others to feel good enough.
- There is a memory of a past relationship that brought both security and heartache.
- At the end of the lyrics, the singer asks for support and comfort when feeling down.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song 'Down to Zero' by
Joan Armatrading describe the feelings and emotions one experiences when in love and then disappointed. It is about feeling happy and secure at first, but then suddenly falling from zero to a hundred and being confronted with the consequences.
The text starts by feeling light and number one, but then one is brought back down to earth by a single word and left behind. One literally goes from zero to zero.
A part of the lyrics talks about a new person entering your life and stealing your partner. You feel threatened and try to emphasize your beauty to remain competitive. It is about comparing oneself to others and worrying if one is good enough.
There is also a reminiscence of a past relationship where someone was by your side and provided security. But then that person also brings problems and heartache. You fall back down and are alone again.
The lyrics also speak of heartache and tears when thinking about one's mother's only son. You seek refuge in bed and think that you will find peace while sleeping. But instead, you dream of love and are still confronted with pain.
At the end of the lyrics, the singer asks the listener to come to her when they fall. It is an invitation to seek help when feeling down and in need of comfort.
Overall, the lyrics of the song 'Down to Zero' express the ups and downs of love and how one feels when taken on an emotional rollercoaster. It is about loss, pain, and also finding comfort and support.