Just Like Heaven (The Cure Cover)

AFI's rendition of 'Just Like Heaven,' originally by The Cure, captures the ethereal and emotional essence of the song while adding their unique touch. The lyrics tell a story of a passionate and almost surreal love, where the protagonist is enchanted by a lover who seems to be both a source of immense joy and profound longing. The repeated plea to 'show me how you do that trick' symbolizes a desire to understand and capture the magic of their connection, a magic that makes the protagonist both laugh and scream in delight.

The imagery in the song is vivid and dreamlike, with references to spinning on a dizzy edge and dancing in the deepest oceans. These metaphors convey a sense of being overwhelmed by love, as if the protagonist is caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The line 'Why are you so far away?' highlights the distance and longing that often accompany intense feelings of love. The lover is described as 'soft and only,' 'lost and lonely,' and 'strange as angels,' emphasizing their unique and almost otherworldly presence in the protagonist's life.

The song takes a poignant turn towards the end, where the protagonist wakes up alone, realizing that the lover who brought so much joy is no longer there. The 'raging sea' that 'stole the only girl I loved' serves as a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming emotions and the sense of loss that follows. Despite the sorrow, the lover remains 'just like heaven,' a perfect and unattainable dream that continues to haunt the protagonist. AFI's cover maintains the haunting beauty of the original while infusing it with their own emotional intensity, making it a compelling exploration of love, longing, and loss.