Things We Choose To Care About

City and Colour's song 'Things We Choose To Care About' delves into the introspective journey of evaluating what truly matters in life. The artist, known for his emotive and soulful music, often explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. In this song, the lyrics suggest a narrative of someone grappling with the end of a relationship and the silence that follows. The absence of the other person's voice and face signifies a deep sense of loss and the void that is left behind.

The song uses the metaphor of a coin with a cure on one side and a curse on the other to describe the duality of life's experiences. The 'larger world' where 'work brings worth' implies a shift from the simplicity of youth to the complexities of adulthood, where the value of one's actions and choices becomes more pronounced. The artist reflects on the transition from the 'easy victories of youth' to a time where the things one cares about define their life. This shift in perspective is a common theme in adulthood, where the pursuit of meaning often replaces the carefree nature of younger years.

The recurring mention of 'the things we choose to care about' throughout the song emphasizes the importance of personal values and priorities. The artist acknowledges having more than needed but still feeling the pull of greed, a human flaw that can overshadow what truly matters. The desire for a place of peace, 'where light brings life,' suggests a yearning for clarity and purity in a world that can often feel overwhelming. The song ends with a poignant reminder that memories and the things we hold dear will always remain, even as life changes around us.