Times Square

Emily Kinney's 'Times Square' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the struggle to move on. The song opens with a series of questions, reflecting the narrator's desperation to find a way to help or reconnect with a past lover. The mention of Times Square, a bustling and iconic location, juxtaposed with the moon, a symbol of distance and longing, highlights the vast emotional spectrum the narrator is experiencing. This sets the stage for a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of a relationship that has ended but still lingers in the heart and mind.

The lyrics reveal a sense of nostalgia and regret, as the narrator reflects on the past and the changes that have occurred. The line 'Without my love you don't know how to live' suggests a co-dependency that was present in the relationship, while 'I won't break his heart to fix you' indicates a moral boundary the narrator is unwilling to cross. This highlights the internal conflict between wanting to help the ex-lover and recognizing the need to move forward independently. The repeated mention of 'somebody else' underscores the realization that the idealized version of love they once shared is no longer attainable.

Kinney's use of vivid imagery, such as 'my lips are purple' and 'we wasted our wishes, hurt our best friends,' paints a picture of a love that has grown cold and caused collateral damage. The metaphor of making 'a home in heartache' and being unable to 'pay the rent' speaks to the unsustainable nature of their relationship. Ultimately, the song is a journey of self-realization, where the narrator acknowledges their limitations and the necessity of letting go. The repeated refrain of 'What can I do?' serves as a poignant reminder of the helplessness one often feels in the face of unresolvable emotional turmoil.