1. Metaphor: The entire song is built around the metaphor of a literal life-saving situation (CPR) being used to represent the challenges and complexities of saving a relationship.
* Example: "And I don't want to be that guy, the one who's always bringing you down, but I can't stand to watch you fall, without a sound." The act of "bringing someone down" metaphorically represents the negative influence a person can have on another.
2. Imagery: The song uses vivid imagery to paint pictures of the relationship and its struggles.
* Example: "You were drowning in the deep end, all alone, and I was standing by the side, just watching you sink" This imagery evokes a feeling of helplessness and desperation.
3. Repetition: The song uses repetition of key phrases and words to emphasize important themes and emotions.
* Example: The repeated phrase "How to save a life" serves as a central question and reminder throughout the song. The repetition emphasizes the singer's desire to understand and help, but also his feeling of being powerless.