Neighbour

Mother Mother's song "Neighbour" delves into the complex and often unspoken relationship between neighbors. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a neighbor who is deeply observant, almost to the point of intrusion, yet feels a profound connection to the person living next door. The narrator watches and listens through blinds and a makeshift tin can telephone, witnessing moments of joy, sorrow, and vulnerability. This voyeuristic perspective creates a sense of intimacy, as if the neighbor knows the person next door better than anyone else, despite the physical and emotional distance that separates them.

The song explores themes of empathy and intrusion, blurring the lines between caring and overstepping boundaries. The narrator's observations are not just casual; they are deeply emotional, as seen in lines like "They're making oceans that in I sink and drown." This suggests that the neighbor's experiences profoundly affect the narrator, creating a shared emotional landscape. However, this connection is one-sided and unreciprocated, leading to feelings of being used and unappreciated. The repeated question, "Do you feel used? Well, I would too," underscores the emotional toll of this unbalanced relationship.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the neighbor's departure is imminent, symbolized by moving signs and packed boxes. This impending separation brings a sense of loss and loneliness, as the narrator anticipates being left with nothing but an "empty peep hole." The song captures the bittersweet nature of human connections that are both deeply felt and inherently transient. Through its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, "Neighbour" invites listeners to reflect on the unseen bonds that tie us to those around us, even when those connections are fleeting or unacknowledged.