4:30 In Toronto
JP Saxe
Longing and Displacement in '4:30 In Toronto'
JP Saxe's song '4:30 In Toronto' delves into the complex emotions of longing, displacement, and the search for comfort during a time of personal crisis. The song begins with the artist returning home to be with his family as his father undergoes surgery. This situation triggers a wave of introspection and vulnerability, leading him to contemplate reaching out to someone for emotional support. The lyrics reveal a deep-seated need for connection, even if it doesn't necessarily have to mean rekindling a past relationship. This yearning for comfort is a central theme, as he repeatedly expresses his desire to hold and call this person, highlighting the human need for emotional solace during difficult times.
The chorus, 'It's 4:30 in Toronto, and I don't know where to go,' captures a sense of aimlessness and disorientation. The city, once familiar, now feels alien, and the hotel room fails to provide the sense of home he craves. This feeling of displacement is further emphasized when he drives past his childhood home, only to find it replaced by a 'concrete piece of shit.' The physical changes in his hometown mirror the emotional changes within him, underscoring the theme of loss and the passage of time.
The song also touches on the bittersweet nature of memories and how they can evoke both comfort and pain. The line 'I miss you still, it just feels different now' encapsulates the evolving nature of relationships and emotions. The streets of his hometown, much like his feelings, have changed, yet the underlying sense of longing remains. JP Saxe's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery make '4:30 In Toronto' a powerful exploration of the human experience, capturing the essence of what it means to seek connection and find one's place in a world that is constantly changing.