Aubrey
Bread
The Melancholy of Unrequited Love in 'Aubrey'
The song 'Aubrey' by Bread is a poignant ballad that delves into the theme of unrequited love and the lingering feelings of what could have been. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is haunted by the memory of a woman named Aubrey, whom he loved deeply despite never having his feelings reciprocated. The song's narrator reflects on the missed opportunities and the emotional distance that kept them apart.
The opening lines introduce Aubrey as an extraordinary presence in the narrator's life, suggesting that even her name carries a special significance for him. The metaphor of a 'love that wouldn't bloom' and hearts 'that never played in tune' evokes the sense of a potential relationship that failed to develop harmoniously. The narrator laments the absence of a deeper connection, likening it to a melody that loses its essence without the accompanying words.
As the song progresses, the narrator expresses a profound sense of loss and yearning. He imagines traveling the world just to be closer to Aubrey, highlighting the depth of his longing. The repeated mention of her name emphasizes his fixation and the pain of unfulfilled love. Ultimately, the narrator resigns himself to a life apart from Aubrey, acknowledging that if he cannot be with the one he truly desires, he will accept solitude over settling for second best. The song's melancholic tone and the narrator's introspective journey make 'Aubrey' a touching exploration of love, loss, and the human condition.