Black Flies

Ben Howard's 'Black Flies' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of human connection, isolation, and the passage of time. The song opens with the imagery of 'black flies on the windowsill,' a metaphor for the small, often unnoticed aspects of life that accumulate and weigh on us. The repetition of 'that we are' suggests a shared human experience, emphasizing our collective struggles and the inevitability of change, as seen in the line 'Winter stole summer's thrill.' This seasonal shift symbolizes the loss of joy and warmth, replaced by a cold, barren reality.

The lyrics 'No man is an island, this I know' reflect the famous quote by John Donne, underscoring the idea that humans are inherently connected and cannot exist in isolation. However, the song juxtaposes this with a sense of personal isolation, as the narrator feels like a 'stone' compared to the 'ocean' of another person. This metaphor highlights the disparity in emotional depth and the feeling of being overwhelmed by someone else's presence. The recurring theme of travel and being a 'traveler' or 'gypsy' suggests a restless search for meaning and belonging, yet the journey is made more difficult by the 'fool found in your place,' indicating a sense of betrayal or disappointment.

The song's closing lines, 'And I don't wanna beg your pardon / And I don't wanna ask you why,' convey a reluctance to seek forgiveness or understanding, hinting at unresolved conflicts and the pain of moving on. The question 'But if I was to go my own way / Would I have to pass you by?' encapsulates the internal struggle between pursuing one's path and the fear of losing important connections. 'Black Flies' ultimately paints a poignant picture of the delicate balance between connection and isolation, and the inevitable changes that time brings to our lives.