If My Heart Was a House

Owl City's 'If My Heart Was a House' is a poetic exploration of love and longing, wrapped in the whimsical and dreamy style that Adam Young, the artist behind Owl City, is known for. The song uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the deep emotional connection between two people. The opening lines, 'You're the sky that I fell through / And I remember the view / Whenever I'm holding you,' set the tone for a narrative that is both nostalgic and tender. The sky represents the vastness and beauty of the relationship, while the act of falling through it suggests a sense of surrender and immersion in love.

The chorus, 'Circle me, and the needle moves gracefully / Back and forth, if my heart was a compass you'd be North,' employs the metaphor of a compass to illustrate the idea of direction and guidance in love. The beloved is depicted as the 'North,' the ultimate point of orientation and stability. This metaphor extends to the idea of home, as expressed in the line, 'If my heart was a house you'd be home.' Here, the heart is likened to a house, a place of comfort, safety, and belonging, emphasizing the emotional sanctuary that the beloved provides.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of feeling incomplete or cold when alone, contrasted with the warmth and completeness felt in the presence of the loved one. Lines like 'I walk slowly when I'm on my own / Yeah, but frankly I still feel alone' highlight the sense of emptiness and longing that pervades the narrator's life when separated from their partner. The repeated phrase 'Bombs away' suggests a willingness to let go of fears and doubts, embracing the vulnerability that comes with deep emotional connections. This blend of vulnerability, nostalgia, and unwavering love makes 'If My Heart Was a House' a touching and relatable anthem for anyone who has experienced the profound impact of a significant other in their life.