For Only

Bikini Kill's song "For Only" delves into the haunting nature of memories and the way they can consume one's thoughts. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a past event or person that continues to linger in the narrator's mind. The phrase "an image from a long long time ago is haunting me" sets the tone for the song, indicating that this memory is not just a fleeting thought but a persistent presence. The use of "picture perfect clarity" suggests that the memory is so vivid it feels almost real, yet it is something that only the narrator can see and experience.

The repetition of the line "I watch it like a movie" emphasizes the idea that the memory plays out in the narrator's mind as if it were a film, with every detail consuming their thoughts. This cinematic metaphor highlights the intensity and vividness of the memory, making it difficult for the narrator to distinguish between what is real and what is merely a recollection. The line "what's real will surface when it's gone" suggests that the narrator believes that only by letting go of the memory can they truly understand its impact and reality.

The song also touches on the theme of loss and the passage of time. The lines "by now you've heard the news, what is there left to do" imply a sense of resignation and acceptance of the past. The final verse, where the narrator struggles to recall a familiar face, underscores the fleeting nature of memories and how they can fade over time. The song captures the bittersweet essence of holding onto the past while acknowledging the inevitability of moving forward.