Caves

Noah Kahan's song 'Caves' delves into the emotional turmoil of a relationship on the brink of collapse. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two individuals who are stuck in a cycle of fear and indecision, unable to move forward or let go. The opening lines, 'We've been runnin' in place, whole year's been one of those days,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the stagnation and frustration that both parties feel. This sense of being 'close to an edge' but not wanting to be blamed for the inevitable fall is a recurring theme throughout the song.

The chorus, with its repeated admission of fear—'I'm afraid, I'm afraid, I'm afraid'—captures the vulnerability and anxiety that come with the uncertainty of the relationship's future. Despite knowing that the other person is 'ready to move on,' they both 'stay and stay and stay,' waiting for the other to cave in first. This waiting game is a metaphor for the emotional standoff, where neither wants to be the one to end things, yet both are aware that the relationship is beyond repair.

The song also touches on the idea of playing pretend and the fear of shedding one's skin, which can be interpreted as the reluctance to face the truth and the comfort found in familiarity, even if it's painful. The 'rope on our wrists' symbolizes the constraints and the years of life missed due to this emotional entanglement. Kahan's poignant lyrics and melancholic melody create a powerful narrative about the complexities of love, fear, and the difficulty of letting go.