Arlo Parks – ‘Blades’ Song Meaning: The Complexities of Love and Loss
“Blades” by Arlo Parks is a beautifully written and deeply emotional reflection on the complexities of a past relationship. The song explores the pain and regret that comes with losing someone who was once an integral part of your life, and the desire to reconnect with that person despite the distance that now exists between them.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the memories that the narrator holds onto, such as the night they spent talking for hours on the gravel, the times they walked hand in hand, and the laughter they shared. The imagery is powerful, with lines like “catching light like blades through your body” and “the party’s ablaze” creating a sense of intensity and passion.
The song also touches on the idea of regret, with the narrator admitting that they didn’t fully realize how much they would miss the other person until they were gone. This is captured in the line, “Regret is flowering inside me while I’m scooping ice,” which suggests that the narrator is trying to distract themselves from their feelings, but they can’t help but feel the pain of their loss.
One of the most poignant parts of the song comes towards the end, where the narrator describes seeing their ex with someone else. The sense of longing and heartbreak is palpable, as they watch from afar and struggle to find the words to express their feelings. This is captured in the lines, “And I’m scared to speak, ’cause I catch a whiff of your rosetip tea, and I just don’t know what to do, ’cause I only want to be with you.”
In many ways, “Blades” is a universal song about love and loss, and the complexities of navigating relationships that don’t always work out the way we want them to. Arlo Parks’ hauntingly beautiful voice and poetic lyrics make this a song that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pain of losing someone they love.
“I just miss your voice, say you’ve been alright, Callin’ when you’re lonely, late at night, ‘Cause I only want to be with you.” These lines capture the essence of the song, expressing the narrator’s longing to reconnect with their ex and their deep desire to be with them once again. The vulnerability and raw emotion in these lines make them particularly poignant, as they reveal the depth of the narrator’s feelings and the pain they are experiencing.
Watch: Arlo Parks – ‘Blades’
Listen now: Arlo Parks – ‘Blades’
About Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks is a British singer-songwriter and poet who first gained attention in 2018 with her debut single, “Cola“. Born in London in 2000, Parks grew up in a household filled with music and creativity, and began writing poetry and music at a young age. She cites a wide range of influences on her sound, including artists like Portishead, Radiohead, and Elliott Smith.
Parks’ music is known for its introspective and poetic lyrics, which often explore themes of love, loss, and identity. Her sound is a unique blend of indie pop, soul, and spoken word, with her smooth and soulful vocals at the forefront of each song.
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