Sharon explained the meaning/story behind the song in an interview with NPR:
I’m not very good at communicating my emotions. And usually it’s when I’m really sad and or in a dark place, and this song was when I was pretty angry. Sometimes in those situations I feel like I go into a victim role and...
[Verse 1]
In the ocean, waves all around
And they're smashing down
Take my hand, shut your eyes
And hope you remember
[Verse 2]
You like the position
Watch that change 'fore we drown
We ask ourselves where we are now
Who we are and what that means
[Chorus]
You shut me off just like a gun
Then you run just like blood
Shut me off just like a gun
Then you run just like blood
Just like blood
Just like blood
[Verse 2]
Disappear when the sun goes down
Acid spill as you breathe
Turn around, stare at the wall
Bone to my mouth and breathe it out
[Chorus]
Shut me off just like a gun
Then you run just like blood
Shut me off just like a gun
Then you run just like blood
Just like blood
Just like blood
Just like blood
Just Like Blood was written by Sharon Van Etten.
Just Like Blood was produced by Sharon Van Etten & Stewart Lerman.