Bonfire
Memoryhouse
Embracing the Chill: Memoryhouse's 'Bonfire'
Memoryhouse's song 'Bonfire' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a cold, moonlit night, where the protagonist is grappling with the remnants of a past relationship. The opening lines, 'It's getting late / Think I'll turn in / The moon is out and it's much too cold to swim,' set a somber tone, suggesting a retreat into introspection and solitude. The act of leaving a photo in the pool symbolizes an attempt to let go of the past, yet the thoughts woven to recall the person indicate an ongoing struggle to move on.
The imagery of the 'pale grey moth light sky' and 'breath like ghosts too fragile to take flight' evokes a sense of ethereal beauty and fragility. The protagonist's act of holding the photo to the light and tracing its symmetry reflects a deep yearning to understand and preserve the memories, even as they begin to fade and divide. This moment of reflection is both tender and melancholic, highlighting the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.
As the song progresses, the protagonist resolves to keep moving westward, symbolizing a journey towards closure and healing. The lines 'I'll bring you fire / To dissolve the memory of / All I wonder unavenged' suggest a desire to burn away the lingering pain and unanswered questions. The repeated refrain 'Let's get cold together' can be interpreted as an invitation to embrace the emotional chill and find solace in shared vulnerability. The song's ethereal soundscape and poignant lyrics create a powerful meditation on the complexities of memory and the enduring impact of lost love.