Horizon

Aldous Harding's song 'Horizon' is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and the emotional landscapes that accompany them. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and imagery, creating a vivid picture of a relationship marked by both tenderness and turmoil. The recurring lines 'Here is your princess / And here is your horizon' suggest a juxtaposition between an idealized love ('princess') and the uncertain future ('horizon'). This duality is central to the song's theme, reflecting the complexities and contradictions inherent in intimate relationships.

The song opens with a nurturing gesture, 'Let me put the water in the bowl / For your wounds, babe,' indicating a desire to heal and support a loved one. However, this care is tinged with a sense of insecurity and competition, as seen in the lines 'When you watch me play, does it feel bad, darlin' / When they choose me?' This suggests a struggle for validation and acceptance within the relationship, highlighting the emotional vulnerability of the narrator.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more intense and surreal. The line 'I broke my neck / Dancing to the edge of the world, babe' conveys a sense of sacrifice and desperation, while 'My mouth is wet, don’t you forget it / Don’t you lose me' underscores a plea for remembrance and connection. The repeated refrain 'Say again, this place' acts as a grounding mantra, perhaps a way for the narrator to anchor themselves amidst the emotional chaos. The song concludes with a poignant reflection on mortality and belonging, 'And every now and then, I think about / When you’ll die, babe / There’s a fall in my head / It floods what you said into the room, babe.' This final verse encapsulates the profound impact of love and loss, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of melancholy and introspection.