Sideways

Citizen Cope's song 'Sideways' delves into the overwhelming and persistent nature of deep emotional feelings, particularly those associated with love. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and inevitability, as the narrator struggles to articulate the intensity of their emotions. The repeated line, 'These feelings won't go away,' underscores the enduring and unshakeable nature of these sentiments, suggesting that no matter how much time passes, the feelings remain as strong as ever.

The metaphors of 'diamonds they fade' and 'flowers they bloom' highlight the transient nature of material things and natural cycles, contrasting sharply with the permanence of the narrator's emotions. Diamonds, often seen as symbols of eternal love, are said to fade, while flowers, which bloom and wither, represent the fleeting beauty of life. Yet, despite these natural changes, the narrator's feelings remain constant, emphasizing the unique and powerful hold that love can have over an individual.

Citizen Cope's soulful delivery and the song's mellow, reflective melody enhance the introspective and contemplative mood of the lyrics. The repetition of phrases and the cyclical structure of the song mirror the inescapable loop of the narrator's thoughts and feelings. This creates a sense of being trapped in an emotional whirlwind, where every encounter with the loved one reignites the same intense emotions, knocking the narrator 'sideways' and leaving them unable to move on. The song captures the universal experience of love's persistence, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the enduring impact of deep emotional connections.