Halloween

Noah Kahan's song 'Halloween' is a poignant exploration of emotional turmoil, loss, and the haunting nature of past relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person trying to escape the remnants of a broken relationship, yet finding themselves constantly reminded of their past. The imagery of sailing away to an unknown place and drinking away the days suggests a desire to escape reality and numb the pain. The mention of New Orleans and working at The Print adds a layer of specificity, grounding the narrative in real places and experiences.

The recurring theme of ghosts and haunting is central to the song. The line 'It's not Halloween, but the ghost you're dressed up as sure knows how to haunt' metaphorically represents the lingering presence of a past lover. This ghostly figure symbolizes the memories and emotions that continue to haunt the narrator, despite their efforts to move on. The wreckage and burned bridges signify the irreversible damage done to the relationship, and the ash returning to the Earth suggests a sense of finality and acceptance.

Kahan's lyrics also delve into the introspective struggle of the narrator. The mention of seeing the lover's face in crows and hearing their voice in a foreign language highlights the pervasive nature of these memories. The narrator's acknowledgment of losing themselves in tiny objects and seeing their life on a screen reflects a sense of disconnection and self-alienation. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and a bittersweet acceptance of the past, as the narrator sets sail once again, knowing that the haunting memories will always be a part of them.