Long Term Relationships Were Only Cool When Divorce Wasn't

Merchant Ships' song "Long Term Relationships Were Only Cool When Divorce Wasn't" delves into the emotional turmoil and disillusionment that comes with the breakdown of family relationships, particularly through the lens of divorce. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of betrayal and the loss of trust, as the narrator grapples with the lies and broken promises that have led to the dissolution of their family. The repeated line, "what's the point in listening when your words are filled with lies," underscores the deep sense of betrayal and the futility of trying to mend what has been irreparably broken.

The song also touches on the lasting impact of these broken relationships on the narrator's sense of identity and belonging. The imagery of being "buried in a graveyard, next to my childhood" suggests a profound sense of loss and mourning for what once was. The graveyard symbolizes not just the end of familial bonds, but also the death of the narrator's childhood innocence and the dreams that were once nurtured within the family unit. The cold and clear voices of the judge and Death serve as stark reminders of the finality of these losses.

Furthermore, the song explores the theme of forgiveness, or rather, the lack thereof. The narrator acknowledges that while they may grow up and move on, the scars left by their parents' actions will not easily heal. The lines, "I won't pretend I forgive you when you say 'sorry, kids'" and "don't expect forgiveness when you say 'we're sorry'" highlight the deep emotional wounds that remain. The song ends on a note of resilience, with the narrator standing on their own, searching for a new place to call home, signifying a desire to rebuild and find stability despite the chaos of their past.