The Avett Brothers- "Shame"

1. I think the subject is relationships and the tone is somber and regretful.
2. "Overwhelming" pushes the tone because if makes it sound like it is just too much to bear. It really helps set the tone. "Boatloads" gives a good explanation of the tone because it is saying that there is so much shame, so much that he is regretful of it. Also, "sink" gives a negative and sad feel to the song, and has a stronger meaning than "fell", or some other word like it.