Amsterdam

The Luminary's song 'Amsterdam' delves into the emotional turmoil of a long-distance relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's loneliness and longing as their partner travels to various cities like London, New York, and Amsterdam. The recurring theme of separation is evident from the very beginning, with lines like 'Underground or Aeroplane / Doesn't matter in the end / I know it has to be this way / You're leaving me again.' This sets the stage for a narrative filled with heartache and the struggle to cope with the absence of a loved one.

The song employs powerful imagery and metaphors to convey the depth of the narrator's feelings. The act of writing and singing 'little love songs' to the wind symbolizes a desperate attempt to maintain a connection despite the physical distance. The mention of 'pressing fingers where your kisses have been' poignantly captures the lingering presence of the partner, even in their absence. The lyrics also highlight the internal conflict of the narrator, who is torn between the need for sleep and the overwhelming thoughts of their partner's journey, as seen in 'I know I should be in bed / And it's almost 3am / But when I close my eyes I can only see miles of headlights / Fleshing out the distance.'

Culturally, the song taps into the universal experience of missing someone who is far away, making it relatable to anyone who has ever been in a long-distance relationship. The cities mentioned—London, New York, Amsterdam—serve as symbols of the vast distances that can separate loved ones, yet also highlight the global nature of such experiences. The Luminary's musical style, characterized by emotive vocals and poignant lyrics, enhances the song's melancholic tone, making 'Amsterdam' a heartfelt ode to love and longing across miles.