Desire Lines

Deerhunter's song 'Desire Lines' delves into the complexities of growing up and the inevitable changes that come with time. The lyrics reflect on the transition from the unbridled excitement of youth to the more subdued and often confusing experiences of adulthood. The opening lines, 'When you were young / And your excitement showed,' set the stage for a nostalgic look back at a time when life was simpler and full of potential. However, as time progresses, the song questions whether that initial excitement fades, asking, 'But as time goes by / Does it outgrow?'

The metaphor of 'desire lines'—the paths that people naturally take, often cutting across established routes—serves as a powerful symbol for the choices and directions we take in life. The lyrics, 'Forever reaching for the goal / Forever fading black / Comes a glow,' suggest a constant striving for something more, even as the clarity of that goal may diminish over time. This duality of striving and fading captures the essence of the human experience, where aspirations and reality often collide.

The chorus, 'Walking free / Come with me / Far away / Every day,' offers a sense of liberation and companionship. It suggests that despite the uncertainties and the ups and downs ('Whatever goes up / Must come down'), there is solace in walking through life together, finding freedom in shared experiences. The song encourages listeners to embrace the journey, to 'do what you can,' and to navigate their own desire lines, even when the path is not always clear.