«Analysis Paralysis (Paralyzed)» is a raw and deeply introspective song that captures the suffocating grip of crippling anxiety. It vividly illustrates the overwhelming feeling of being mentally and physically frozen in the face of important decisions. The lyrics paint a picture of an internal battle—knowing one’s potential yet feeling trapped by fear and self-doubt.

The song’s chorus emphasizes the physical and emotional toll of anxiety, describing how it starts in the chest, spreads to the limbs, and ultimately hijacks the mind. The phrase “it starts with a pair of lies” highlights the deceptive nature of anxious thoughts—whispers of self-doubt and inadequacy that lead to inaction and paralysis “I know I can do all things through Christ but I’m paralyzed” speaks anxiety’s ability to defy and override one’s belief system.

This is an important note for people of faith, to understand that your faith does not always exempt you from the physical reality of anxiety.

Despite the overwhelming fear and self-doubt woven throughout the song, the final lines offer a pivotal shift—a realization that the thoughts fueling this paralysis are «just lies.» By calling them out for what they are, the writer introduces a powerful new perspective: anxiety thrives on deception, making us believe we’re incapable, unworthy, or doomed to fail. Recognizing these thoughts as false strips them of their power, creating space for truth and clarity.

This moment underscores the importance of grounding oneself in reality rather than being consumed by anxious thoughts and emotions. When anxiety distorts perception, it becomes easy to mistake fears for facts. But by consciously challenging those lies, there’s an opportunity to reclaim control, step out of paralysis, and move forward with confidence. The song ultimately serves as both a raw expression of struggle and a call to break free—reminding listeners that they are not their fears, and they have the strength to rise above them. 

ANALYSIS PARALYSIS  (PARALYZED) LYRICS 
 
It only takes a moment. I’m fine then I’m frozen
I know that I’m chosen but right now I don’t wanna be here
 
Faced with some decisions.
To fly or to miss it.
What do I have to lose? I’m stuck now, can’t move
I’m sinkin, not swimin
 
Ooo it starts with
It starts with a pair of lies (“can’t do this, I’m not good enough”)
Then I’m stuck and I’m paralyzed
I, I know I can do all things through Christ But I’m
 
Paralyzed. Paralyzed
Starts in my chest then goes out to my legs
It captures my mind.
Paralyzed, paralyzed
it grips me so tight and now I can’t move I
just want to cry
Because I’m
 
Ooo can’t you see, this is not what
I want I’m struggling just trying to stay a float
But I’m drowning inside, see the fear in my eyes
But I’m numb to the core and I know it’s because I’m
 
Paralyzed.
I’m Paralyzed
Starts in my chest then goes out to my legs
It captures my mind.
Paralyzed, paralyzed
it grips me so tight and now I can’t move I just want to cry
 
Ooo it starts with a pair of lies
But that’s just what they are
They’re lies, they’re lies
Now go on and fly

Reflection Questions:

Recognizing the Impact of Anxiety

1. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt completely stuck, unable to make a decision or move forward? What was that experience like for you?

2. How does anxiety manifest in your body? Do you relate to the song’s description of it starting in the chest and spreading outward?

3. In what situations do you find yourself feeling the most paralyzed by fear or self-doubt? 

Understanding the Lies Anxiety Tells

4. The song says, “It starts with a pair of lies.” What are the common lies anxiety tells you about yourself or your abilities?

5. When anxious thoughts take over, how do they distort your perception of reality?

6. Have you ever looked back on an anxious moment and realized your fears weren’t as true or as powerful as they seemed at the time? 

Breaking Free from Paralysis

7. What are some ways you can ground yourself in reality when anxiety feels overwhelming?

8. When you’re caught in overthinking or self-doubt, what strategies help you regain a sense of control?

9. The song ends with a call to “go on and fly.” What is one step you can take today to move forward, even in the presence of fear? 

Building Resilience & Moving Forward

10. What helps you remember that anxious thoughts and feelings do not define you?

11. Who or what supports you when you feel paralyzed by fear? How can you lean on them when you need reassurance?

12. What would your life look like