Burden Lyrics – Citizen Soldier

[Verse 1]
This verse touches on the insecurities that arise from past experiences of betrayal and disappointment. The singer reflects on how the listener tends to apologize too often and struggles with trust, possibly due to voices in their head telling them they are unlovable. The reference to "living with the ghost" suggests that the listener is haunted by the memories of people who were once important but ultimately let them down. This has led them to emotionally shut themselves off, symbolized by "keeping the closet door closed," as a defense mechanism against further pain.

[Pre-Chorus]
In this section, the singer expresses deep empathy, revealing that they have experienced similar pain. They emphasize that they would rather die than watch the listener drown in their uncried tears. This line underscores the singer's commitment to being there for the listener, regardless of how difficult their emotions may be.

[Chorus]
The chorus is a plea for the listener to open up and share their struggles. The singer reassures the listener that they can talk and be vulnerable without fear of being abandoned or judged. The repeated affirmation that the listener is "not a burden" is a powerful message of unconditional support, encouraging them to let their inner turmoil be heard.

[Post-Chorus]
This brief section reinforces the core message that the listener is not a burden. It serves as a comforting reminder, echoing the sentiment expressed in the chorus.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, the singer addresses the listener's tendency to downplay their own pain by comparing it to others' suffering. The listener's experiences of being silenced and minimized have made them believe that they deserve to be ignored. The verse highlights how these patterns started in youth, where speaking out led to further trauma and stigmatization. The singer empathizes with these experiences, acknowledging the listener's deep-seated pain.

[Pre-Chorus]
Here, the singer again expresses acceptance of the listener's darker emotions, stating that they do not mind if the listener loses control. The singer would rather hear about the listener's struggles, no matter how painful, than witness their suffering in silence, which could lead to tragic consequences.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats with slight variations, emphasizing the same themes of open communication and reassurance. The singer continues to encourage the listener to share their deepest, darkest thoughts, reinforcing that they will not be abandoned for doing so.

[Bridge]
The bridge provides a comforting perspective on the listener's struggles, suggesting that the "monsters" they are holding back do not need to be hidden. The singer sees beauty in the listener's "ugly truth," recognizing that their painful experiences have added depth to their character. This section reinforces the idea that there is more to love about the listener, precisely because of the hardships they have endured.

[Chorus]
In this repetition of the chorus, the singer adds a line about not being ashamed of one's needs, further emphasizing that seeking help and expressing emotions is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step towards healing.

[Post-Chorus]
The post-chorus repeats, driving home the message that the listener is not a burden. The repetition of "You can talk, you can talk to me" serves as a final, reassuring affirmation of the singer's unwavering support.

[Outro]
The outro revisits the idea of the listener's "monsters," suggesting that there is no need to hide them. The singer appreciates the listener's honesty and sees it as a source of strength and love. This ending reinforces the central theme of the song: that being open and vulnerable, even with one's darkest truths, only deepens the bond between the listener and those who care about them.