Slow Mover

Angie McMahon's 'Slow Mover' is a poignant exploration of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. The song opens with a scene of late-night wandering, capturing a moment of introspection and hesitation. The protagonist is caught between the desire for connection and the need for self-preservation. The lyrics, 'I don't want to kiss you / Underneath that flashing sign / What's the hurry? We're not ready / We've got plenty of time,' reflect a reluctance to rush into romantic entanglements, emphasizing the importance of timing and readiness in relationships.

The chorus introduces the idea of potential futures, with lines like 'Maybe you will get married / Maybe fall in love,' suggesting a sense of uncertainty and possibility. The repeated plea to 'Try set me on fire' can be interpreted as a longing for passion and intensity, yet it is juxtaposed with the need for comfort and security, as seen in 'Could you make me fall asleep / When you're holding me?' This duality highlights the internal conflict between the desire for excitement and the need for stability.

As the song progresses, McMahon delves into the complications of past relationships. The verse 'There's someone else but I twist all of / His words and he twists mine / So I'll have to let him go' speaks to the misunderstandings and miscommunications that often plague romantic connections. The protagonist acknowledges the futility of trying to make a flawed relationship work, recognizing that true compatibility cannot be forced. The repeated refrain of being a 'slow, slow mover' underscores the theme of taking one's time to understand oneself and one's needs, ultimately advocating for patience and self-kindness in the journey of love and self-discovery.