Tangerine

Glass Animals' song 'Tangerine' is a poignant exploration of a relationship strained by personal issues and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a partner who has become distant and preoccupied with superficial concerns, such as social media and material wealth. The narrator reminisces about simpler times, filled with laughter and genuine connection, symbolized by 'ramen noodles and laughing at you and your gran in home movies.' This nostalgia underscores the emotional distance that has grown between them.

The repeated plea of 'Tangerine, come on back to me' highlights the narrator's desperation to rekindle the closeness they once shared. The use of 'tangerine' as a term of endearment suggests something sweet and vibrant, now lost. The lyrics also touch on deeper issues, such as the partner's unresolved 'issues with your daddy' and the corrupting influence of money, which has altered their perception and behavior. The line 'You let the Devil in' metaphorically represents these negative changes, emphasizing how external factors have eroded their relationship.

The song's chorus, with its repetitive and pleading nature, mirrors the narrator's frustration and helplessness. The imagery of 'tiny tangerine, speckles painted in your eyes' evokes a sense of lost beauty and innocence. The final verses reveal a sense of resignation, as the narrator acknowledges that it may be too late to change their partner or salvage the relationship. The recurring motif of 'hands, knees, please' underscores the narrator's vulnerability and longing for reconciliation, making 'Tangerine' a deeply emotional and relatable song about love, loss, and the complexities of human connection.