Poplar St

Glass Animals' song 'Poplar St' is a nostalgic and somewhat melancholic reflection on the artist's childhood and early experiences with love and lust. The song begins with a vivid recollection of the artist's boyhood days on Poplar Street, where he observed the world from a child's perspective, complete with scraped knees and a sense of innocence. The mention of Mrs. Moore and Mr. Keats introduces a theme of adult relationships and infidelity, hinting at the complexities and secrets that the young boy was exposed to.

As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to the artist's transformation into a 'new man,' marked by a mix of romantic idealism and a sense of disillusionment. The imagery of 'red flowers in my bed' and 'dead flowers in the sand' juxtaposes the beauty and decay of love, suggesting a cycle of passion and heartbreak. The repeated refrain 'I am a true romantic, free falling love addict' underscores the artist's vulnerability and his tendency to fall deeply and perhaps recklessly in love.

The narrative takes a darker turn with the character of Mrs. Moore, who is described in a somewhat predatory manner. The artist's encounter with her is both formative and traumatic, leaving a lasting impact on his perception of love and relationships. The final verses reveal a sense of loss and resignation, as the artist reflects on the end of his youthful infatuation and the realization that he was 'just another boy' caught in the web of Mrs. Moore's exotic needs. This poignant ending encapsulates the bittersweet nature of growing up and the inevitable heartaches that come with it.