Were You Watching?

Norah Jones' song "Were You Watching?" is a poignant exploration of love, neglect, and the passage of time. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of longing and introspection, as the narrator questions whether their partner was truly present during the significant moments of their relationship. The repeated question, "Were you watching?" serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the emotional distance and lack of attention that has grown between the two lovers.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative. The narrator describes dropping seeds from a window, building walls from paper and glue, and observing the blooming and dying of flowers. These metaphors symbolize the efforts and changes within the relationship, from its hopeful beginnings to its eventual decay. The act of building walls from fragile materials like paper and glue suggests a relationship built on weak foundations, easily destroyed when challenges arise. The blooming flowers represent moments of beauty and growth, while their death in winter signifies the end of those fleeting moments of happiness.

The song also delves into the emotional landscape of the relationship. The narrator sings sad songs even when there is nothing more to say, highlighting a sense of resignation and sorrow. The line "Were you hiding when our love was in the deepest danger?" suggests a partner who was emotionally unavailable or unwilling to confront the issues threatening their bond. As the relationship deteriorates, the two lovers become strangers to each other, underscoring the theme of emotional neglect and the pain of unreciprocated love.

"Were You Watching?" is a beautifully melancholic reflection on the complexities of love and the heartache of feeling unseen and unheard by someone who was once close. Norah Jones' soulful delivery and the song's introspective lyrics create a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced the slow unraveling of a relationship.