Candles

In 'Candles,' jxdn delves into the emotional turmoil of a deteriorating relationship. The song opens with a vivid depiction of the artist's internal struggle, crying alone at 8 am and feeling the weight of his emotions. The line 'Trying to wait for the Sun to leave' suggests a desire to escape the harsh light of reality, while 'Cigarettes all taste the same' hints at a sense of numbness and monotony in his coping mechanisms. The artist's vulnerability is palpable, especially in the line 'Hate my friends to see me like this,' indicating a deep sense of shame and isolation.

The recurring metaphor of candles is central to the song's theme. 'Candles last longer when you don't light them' serves as a poignant symbol for the relationship. Just as unlit candles preserve their potential, the relationship might have endured if it hadn't been tested by the harsh realities of life. This metaphor underscores the futility and pain of their attempts to salvage something that perhaps was never meant to be. The repeated lines 'Destroy each other, I hate it' and 'We're not okay, I hate it' emphasize the mutual destruction and dissatisfaction that have come to define their bond.

The song also touches on the lingering impact of the relationship. The line 'You don't pay rent to live in my head' speaks to the mental and emotional space the ex-lover occupies, while 'I hate my tattoos 'cause they all know you' reveals how deeply intertwined their lives were. These tattoos, once symbols of shared experiences, have become painful reminders of what was lost. The song's closing lines, 'Come with me tonight, anywhere / I don't care, I don't care,' suggest a desperate yearning for connection, even if it means embracing the void together. jxdn's raw and honest lyrics capture the essence of a love that has burned out, leaving behind only the shadows of what once was.