Candles

Daughter's song 'Candles' delves into the complexities of youthful vulnerability and the emotional turbulence that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman who is drawn into a relationship that is both alluring and unsettling. The opening lines, 'That boy, take me away, into the night / Out of the hum of the street lights and into a forest,' suggest a desire to escape the mundane and venture into the unknown, guided by a boy who promises adventure but also brings a sense of danger. The metaphor of a 'wolf in mask of a familiar name on a birthday card' hints at betrayal and the fear of being hurt by someone who seems trustworthy.

The recurring line, 'Blow out all the candles,' serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the loss of innocence. The boy's insistence that she is 'too old to be so shy' underscores the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the internal conflict between youthful naivety and the harsh realities of growing up. The imagery of being 'wide-eyed, like we're in a crime scene' captures the sense of shock and disorientation that comes with navigating these emotional landscapes.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on her own fragility and the lessons learned from painful experiences. Lines like 'I have brittle bones it seems / I bite my tongue and torch my dreams' convey a sense of self-awareness and resignation. The acknowledgment that 'things cannot be reversed' and the need to 'learn from the ones we fear the worst' highlight the inevitability of growth through adversity. Ultimately, 'Candles' is a haunting exploration of the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience, capturing the bittersweet essence of coming of age.