Meaning of The Pros and Cons of Breathing by Fall Out Boy

"The Pros and Cons of Breathing" is a raw and emotionally charged song by Fall Out Boy that delves into the complexities of a troubled relationship and the internal struggles it brings. The song captures the feeling of being torn between love and self-hate, as well as the desire for emotional connection in spite of it all. Through its vivid and thought-provoking lyrics, the song explores various themes that contribute to its overall message.One standout lyric that sets the tone for the song is, "Bury me standing under your window with the cinder block in hand." This powerful imagery portrays the narrator's desperate need to be close to the person they love, even if it means going to extreme lengths. This lyric speaks to the theme of obsession and the lengths one might go to in order to maintain a connection, even if it is destructive.Another striking lyric is, "I want to hate you half as much as I hate myself." This line encapsulates the internal turmoil experienced by the narrator – torn between their feelings for the other person and their own self-loathing. This speaks to the theme of self-destructiveness and the realization that sometimes the person we love can exacerbate our own insecurities and frustrations. It highlights the struggle of trying to find balance between intense emotions and self-preservation.The lyric, "My pen is the barrel of the gun. Remind me which side you should be on," explores the theme of power dynamics within relationships. It suggests a power struggle between the narrator and their significant other. The pen symbolizes the narrator's ability to communicate and express themselves, while the gun signifies the potential to harm or put an end to the relationship. This lyric delves into the notion of control, as the narrator questions whose side their partner should be on, reminding them of their influence over the relationship."I wish that I was as invisible as you make me feel" is a poignant lyric that reflects the theme of invisibility and feeling insignificant in a relationship. It conveys the deep yearning to be seen, acknowledged, and appreciated by the person they love. The narrator's desire to be invisible like the other person highlights the feeling of being overshadowed and unimportant, contributing to their overall self-hate and internal struggle.Overall, "The Pros and Cons of Breathing" takes listeners on an emotional journey through the complexities of a troubled relationship. The song explores themes of obsession, self-hate, power dynamics, and the longing for significance. Through its vivid and imaginative lyrics, Fall Out Boy captures the emotional turmoil experienced when love and self-destruction collide. It serves as an introspective exploration of the profound effect relationships can have on our sense of self and serves as a reminder to examine the pros and cons of our own emotional well-being.