When I'm Gone

AURORA's song 'When I'm Gone' delves into the profound themes of departure, self-discovery, and the afterlife. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone preparing to leave this world, seeking reassurance that their absence will be acknowledged. The opening lines, 'Before I leave / Just let me see that / Everyone knows I'm gone,' suggest a desire for closure and recognition before embarking on this final journey. The imagery of 'broken trees' and the belief of being 'found' amidst them evokes a sense of reconciliation with nature and the self, hinting at a spiritual awakening or acceptance of one's fate.

The recurring refrain, 'And I go home again, it's time,' emphasizes the inevitability and acceptance of this transition. The repetition of 'home' signifies a return to a place of origin or peace, possibly the afterlife or a state of spiritual completeness. This notion is further reinforced by the lines, 'Tell my family and friends / It is okay when I'm gone / And from the clouds so far away / I will be safe looking down.' Here, AURORA reassures her loved ones of her safety and peace in the afterlife, offering comfort and solace.

AURORA's ethereal voice and the haunting melody amplify the song's introspective and otherworldly atmosphere. The lyrics, 'I know I can, that's why I do it / And who I am, I feel it fading / It's getting colder, getting colder / Counting to ten again and again,' reflect a struggle with identity and the passage of time, as well as the cold inevitability of death. The act of 'counting to ten' could symbolize a meditative preparation for the end, a way to find calm amidst the uncertainty. Overall, 'When I'm Gone' is a poignant exploration of mortality, the search for peace, and the comforting notion of an eternal home.