Caroline

Old Sea Brigade's song 'Caroline' is a poignant exploration of love, dreams, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a romantic vision that exists both in the mind and in fleeting moments of reality. The protagonist seems to be caught in a dreamlike state, where Caroline is both a tangible presence and an elusive figure. This duality is emphasized in the lines 'There we were / There we weren't / There you were / There you weren't,' suggesting a love that is both real and imagined, present and absent.

The chorus, with its repeated plea 'Can I pull you aside? / Can I talk you through / My vision of our life?' reveals a deep yearning to share a life with Caroline, to make the dream a reality. The protagonist envisions a future where they 'disappear through the years' and 'wake up when we die,' indicating a desire for a timeless, enduring love that transcends the ordinary constraints of life. This vision is both hopeful and melancholic, as it acknowledges the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

The setting of the Rose Cafe adds a layer of nostalgia and romanticism to the song. The protagonist imagines meeting Caroline there, asking her name, and wondering if they would 'vanish into the night.' This setting serves as a metaphor for the beginning of a potential love story, one that is filled with possibilities and uncertainties. The song ends on a note of ambiguity, questioning whether the love story even began and if Caroline is indeed her name. This open-ended conclusion leaves listeners reflecting on the nature of love, dreams, and the fleeting moments that define our lives.