Vintage

Moses Sumney's song 'Vintage' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia and the longing to recapture a past relationship. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of yearning for a time when things were simpler and more fulfilling. Sumney's use of metaphors, such as 'walking it back like Michael' and 'putting my time machine on it,' suggests a deep desire to revisit and perhaps rectify past mistakes. The reference to Michael Jackson, a cultural icon known for his ability to captivate and transform, adds a layer of complexity to this longing, implying that the past holds a kind of magic that the present lacks.

The song's chorus, with its repeated desire to 'double back' and 'turn vintage,' emphasizes the theme of wanting to return to a previous state of being. The term 'vintage' itself is loaded with connotations of quality, timelessness, and a certain kind of beauty that only comes with age. By asking if they can 'put that afro-sheen on it,' Sumney is invoking a sense of cultural pride and identity, suggesting that the past was not only better but also more authentic and true to oneself. This longing is further highlighted by the mention of keeping a sweater in a safe for its 'olfactory' value, indicating that even the smallest sensory memories are cherished.

Sumney's lyrics also touch on the haunting nature of memories, as seen in lines like 'your specter hanging over me' and 'it revives like a Ouija board.' These metaphors suggest that the past is not just a place of comfort but also a source of haunting and unresolved emotions. The song captures the duality of nostalgia—both its sweetness and its ability to trap us in a cycle of longing. The repeated assurances that 'it's alright' serve as a mantra, perhaps an attempt to convince oneself that revisiting the past is a viable way to cope with the present.