Thinking About You

Beck's song 'Thinking About You' delves into the depths of longing and reflection, painting a vivid picture of a person consumed by memories of a past love. The opening lines set a melancholic tone, with the protagonist lying in bed, curtains drawn, and their mind replaying scenes of a lost relationship like a series of movies. This imagery of 'chasing the moonlight' and 'watching the ocean turn blue' evokes a sense of endless contemplation and emotional turbulence, highlighting the protagonist's inability to move on from their thoughts of the beloved.

The lyrics further explore themes of loss and existential searching. The mention of '40 roses' and the absence of a 'cross and rosary' suggest a deep sense of mourning and a struggle with faith or belief. The protagonist's desire to 'believe in something' even if it's not true underscores a desperate need for solace or meaning in the face of their emotional pain. This is compounded by the recurring motif of standing at a crossroads, symbolizing a point of decision or change, yet finding oneself on a 'back road to Babylon,' a metaphor for a path leading to confusion or moral decay.

The song also touches on the idea of unrequited or lost love, with references to a 'wayward angel' and a 'morning dove,' symbols of purity and peace that now seem distant. The protagonist's journey across 'seven oceans' and the act of 'painting your highway blue' signify immense efforts to reconnect or make sense of the past, yet the repeated realization that 'she's gone' brings a poignant sense of finality. Beck's lyrical craftsmanship in 'Thinking About You' captures the universal experience of heartache and the haunting nature of memories that refuse to fade.