Zedd (Ft. Foxes) – “Clarity” Lyrics Meaning

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Written By Joanna Landrum

Joanna holds a BSc in English Literature and uses her expertise in literary analysis to uncover the deeper meaning of her favorite songs.

“Clarity” by Zedd, featuring Foxes, is a powerful electronic dance track that delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship. The song navigates the intense emotions and conflicting feelings that come with a love that’s both destructive and irresistible. Zedd and Foxes deliver a message of longing, heartbreak, and the search for clarity in the midst of chaos.

The songwriter is grappling with a love that feels vital, yet is also the source of pain and confusion. It’s as if they’re caught in a cycle, chasing after a relationship they know might not be good for them, but can’t help but hold onto. The song was written to capture this whirlwind of emotions and question the nature of a love that can feel both tragic and essential simultaneously.

Have you ever been in a relationship that feels both indispensable and destructive? “Clarity” captures this paradox perfectly.


“Clarity” Lyrics Meaning

“High dive into frozen waves where the past comes back to life” – The song starts with a metaphorical plunge, representing a dive into past memories and emotions. It sets the tone for a reflection on a past relationship.

“Fight fear for the selfish pain, it was worth it every time” – The lyrics suggest a battle between fear and the desire for personal satisfaction. Despite the pain, the songwriter sees value in every moment spent in the relationship.

“Hold still right before we crash ’cause we both know how this ends” – The imagery here depicts a moment frozen in time, acknowledging the impending end of the relationship but also a desire to savor the final moments.

“‘Cause you are the piece of me I wish I didn’t need” – The chorus reveals a sense of conflict and dependency, expressing a wish to be free from the need for this relationship while also acknowledging its significance.

“If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy? If our love’s insanity, why are you my clarity?” – These rhetorical questions highlight the contradiction in the relationship, questioning why something so painful can also feel like the solution and source of clarity.

“Walk on through a red parade and refuse to make amends” – The lyrics paint a picture of perseverance through difficulty, with a refusal to reconcile or back down.

“If you pull, then I’ll push too deep and I’ll fall right back to you” – This line illustrates the push-and-pull dynamic of the relationship, depicting a cycle of coming back to each other, no matter the depth of the conflict.

The Story Behind “Clarity”

“Clarity” was released in 2012, when electronic dance music was gaining significant popularity. Zedd, a classically trained musician, brought a unique sound to the genre, blending electronic elements with emotive lyrics and powerful vocals provided by Foxes. The song is reflective of Zedd’s own experiences and observations of relationships. He aimed to capture the complexity of love and the conflicting emotions that can arise, creating a track that resonates with anyone who has experienced a turbulent relationship.

Zedd’s state of mind during the creation of “Clarity” was one of exploration and experimentation, as he pushed the boundaries of his musical style. The result is a song that not only makes you want to dance but also makes you feel and reflect on the nature of love and relationships.

Through “Clarity,” Zedd and Foxes have created an anthem for anyone who has ever found themselves caught in the storm of a tumultuous relationship, offering a moment of reflection and a reminder that sometimes, finding clarity is the key to finding peace.