Vowels

Capital Cities' song 'Vowels' delves into the profound struggle of expressing deep emotions when words fall short. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and helplessness as the narrator grapples with the inadequacy of language to capture the intensity of their feelings. The repeated lines, 'words, they won't do it justice,' emphasize this struggle, suggesting that sometimes, the depth of human emotion transcends verbal expression.

The chorus, with its simple yet evocative use of vowels—'A-A, O-O, E-E, Ooh-ooh-ooh'—serves as a metaphor for the raw, unfiltered essence of emotion. By stripping down communication to its most basic sounds, the song highlights the primal and universal nature of feelings that everyone can relate to, regardless of language barriers. This choice underscores the idea that some emotions are so powerful and fundamental that they can only be truly understood through non-verbal means.

The song also touches on the desire for external help in articulating these emotions, as seen in lines like 'I need a translator at the tip of my tongue' and 'Get me a Shakespeare to feed me lines.' This reflects a common human experience: the need for someone or something to help us make sense of our inner turmoil. Ultimately, 'Vowels' is a poignant reminder of the limitations of language and the universal quest to communicate the incommunicable.