Blue

A Perfect Circle's song 'Blue' delves into the theme of avoidance and the emotional consequences that come with it. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of denial and the desire to remain ignorant of painful truths. The repeated lines 'I didn't want to know' and 'I just didn't want to know' emphasize the narrator's reluctance to face reality. This avoidance is metaphorically represented by the idea of staying in the 'shallow end' because the narrator 'never quite learned how to swim,' suggesting a fear of diving into deeper, more complex emotions and situations.

The imagery of 'turning blue' is a powerful metaphor throughout the song. Blue often symbolizes sadness or melancholy, and in this context, it represents the emotional state of someone who is suffering while the narrator remains passive. The line 'Call an optimist, she's turning blue' juxtaposes the idea of optimism with the stark reality of emotional pain, highlighting the futility of trying to maintain a positive outlook in the face of undeniable suffering. The narrator's passive stance, 'While I just sit and stare at you,' underscores a sense of helplessness and detachment.

The song also touches on the theme of miscommunication and misunderstanding. The line 'Mistook their nods for an approval' suggests that the narrator has misinterpreted signals, leading to further emotional disconnect. The repeated instruction to 'ignore the smoke' symbolizes the act of ignoring warning signs or problems, further emphasizing the theme of avoidance. Overall, 'Blue' is a poignant exploration of the emotional toll of denial and the impact of avoiding difficult truths.