Only The Lonely

The song 'Only The Lonely' by Motels delves into the complex emotions of loneliness and the paradoxical comfort it can bring. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that is fraught with emotional distance and disconnection. The opening lines, 'We walked the loneliest mile / We smile without any style,' suggest a facade of happiness that masks a deeper sense of isolation. The couple's interactions are described as 'wrong' and 'without intention,' indicating a lack of genuine connection and mutual understanding.

The chorus, 'Only the lonely can play,' serves as a poignant reminder that loneliness is a unique experience that only those who have felt it can truly understand. This line suggests that the characters in the song find a strange solace in their shared loneliness, as if it is a game that only they know how to play. The repetition of this phrase throughout the song emphasizes the inescapable nature of their solitude.

As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal a sense of nostalgia and selective memory. The line, 'You mention the time we were together / So long ago well I don't remember,' highlights the fleeting nature of their past happiness and the selective amnesia that often accompanies emotional pain. Despite the disconnection, the characters find a peculiar comfort in their shared loneliness, as it 'makes me feel good now.' This paradoxical comfort underscores the complexity of human emotions and relationships, making 'Only The Lonely' a deeply introspective and relatable song.