Mad Twenties - Song Story #4: “Sink or Swim”

This song was written at the beginning of 2019 when my partner and I had been fairly out of sync for a while. It’s always awkward to work on a song like this when you live with the person that you’re totally exposing. I could never date me. 

We were just moving into our first house in Austin. The studio was empty and the acoustics were fantastic. I had been playing the guitar part for a while before any lyrics came; the progression always felt melancholy to me.

Here is a clip of the first known recording: "Breaking in the new studio with a new song . No title yet."

At the time, I remember feeling surface level happiness (you can kind of see it in my face in the video lol). Of course I was “happy” we just moved to Austin. I was “happy” we had an amazing house with our best friends. I was “happy” we finally had a whole room to make into a studio after years of makeshift situations. But the funny thing is I wasn’t; and neither was he. Something was off - it was our communication, and as a result of that, our connection. I take full responsibility for my part in that, as I only recently learned how to communicate effectively.

After four years (I say five in the song) of being together, it began to feel like loving each other was a conscious choice we had to make daily when things were hard. I think we were both exhausted from the push and pull.

Demonstrated in these lyrics:

Maybe I’ll try a while longer 
Maybe you’ll try to stay

and

Maybe you’ll try a little harder
Maybe I’ll try to stay

We got to a point where we had to decide to really commit to each other and I remember going back and forth on that for a while - it was “sink or swim” for us. We ended up deciding to move forward with the relationship and then a year later we sank. 

The song also reminisces on a time where love was easier. The second verse alludes to the glimpses of fun and connection we would still experience every so often. 

I love how the Beatles influences came through on the recording of this track. The nostalgic sounds of the 60s match the lyrical content perfectly. There is also a splash of early Norah Jones in there. The instrumentation was beautifully executed. I love the drum intro and the upright bass. Dave’s guitar tone brings a warm vintage feel to the mix. Enjoy </3

Listen on Spotify

Sink or Swim

Verse 1:

Come on over darlin’
It’s sink or swim
Falling out and into love
And out again

Sit down here
We’ll find a way to make amends
If we don't does that mean
This is the end?

Chorus:

Maybe I’ll try a while longer
Maybe you'll try to stay 
Dreaming about getting stronger
But thinking of yesterday

Verse 2:

It's been five years
I don't know what to say
I still learn something new about you
Every damn day

So honey tell me why it is that
We fall away
I will do my best to choose to 
Love you anyway

Chorus:

So maybe you’ll try a little harder
Maybe I’ll try to stay 
Dreaming about getting stronger
But thinking of yesterday

Come on over darling
I hope we swim

Written by Taylor Rae

Sink or Swim lyrics © TaylorRaeMusic (ASCAP)