Angels

Adrianne Lenker's song 'Angels' is a poignant exploration of longing, emotional turmoil, and the search for spiritual solace. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with inner conflicts and the complexities of love and relationships. The opening lines set the stage for a journey, both physical and emotional, as the narrator steps outside and moves on from Carolina, seeking a sense of home and comfort in the presence of a loved one. This quest for connection is underscored by the repeated desire to see the person 'sleeping on my floor,' highlighting a yearning for simple, intimate moments amidst the chaos of life.

The chorus, 'I'm calling on angels now, I want them to set me free,' reveals a deep sense of desperation and a plea for divine intervention. This cry for help is rooted in the narrator's experiences of familial strife and the harsh realities of love, as depicted in the verse about the parents' tumultuous relationship. The imagery of 'learning love ain't easy child, when all you see is war' encapsulates the lasting impact of witnessing conflict and the struggle to find peace and understanding in one's own relationships.

Throughout the song, Lenker weaves in metaphors of natural elements like the wind, moon, sun, and stars, which serve as symbols of the larger forces at play in the narrator's life. The recurring theme of 'the ache inside to ride the mighty wind and nothing more' suggests a desire to escape and find freedom from the burdens of existence. The song's conclusion, with the narrator's uncertainty about the reality of angels but a willingness to wait for them 'till I die,' encapsulates a profound hope and faith in something greater, even amidst doubt and uncertainty. 'Angels' is a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant piece that speaks to the universal human experience of seeking comfort and meaning in a turbulent world.