Making Plans

Above & Beyond's 'Making Plans' is a poignant exploration of love, memory, and the often futile nature of planning for the future. The song opens with a sense of nostalgia, as the narrator reflects on a moment of emotional rapture that has been captured in their memory. This moment, described as an 'orange glowing moment,' symbolizes a time of intense connection and understanding between the narrator and their partner. The use of color imagery here evokes warmth and a sense of fleeting beauty, suggesting that this memory is both precious and ephemeral.

As the song progresses, the narrator reveals the distance that has grown between them and their partner over the years. Despite this physical separation, the narrator has carried the 'torch' of their love, using it to illuminate the darkness in their life. This metaphor highlights the enduring impact of their relationship, even as time and distance have taken their toll. However, the narrator's introspection leads them to question the point of making plans for the future, given the uncertainty and inevitable changes that life brings.

The chorus, with its repeated questioning of the value of 'making plans,' underscores the central theme of the song: the fragility of future dreams. The narrator's vows, made in the 'last low hours of morning,' and the subsequent loss of themselves in another 'orange glowing moment,' further emphasize the cyclical nature of hope and disillusionment. The song ultimately leaves the listener with a sense of melancholy, as the narrator continues to lose themselves in the act of making plans, despite the awareness of their potential futility. This emotional complexity is a hallmark of Above & Beyond's music, which often delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the passage of time.