Metropolis
Owl City
The Heartbeat of Metropolis: A Journey of Love and Longing
Owl City's song "Metropolis" is a heartfelt ode to love and the emotional pull of a significant place. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the protagonist reflects on leaving their heart in a bustling city, Metropolis. This city symbolizes a place filled with memories and emotions tied to a loved one, making it a metaphor for the emotional center of the protagonist's world. The repetition of the phrase "I left my heart in Metropolis" underscores the deep connection and the sense of loss felt when separated from this place and person.
The song's imagery paints a vivid picture of urban life and the various modes of transportation that symbolize the journey back to the loved one. References to subways, taxis, airplanes, and sailboats highlight the lengths the protagonist is willing to go to reunite with their significant other. These modes of travel also represent the passage of time and distance, emphasizing the effort and determination to bridge the gap between them. The line "As long as I'm coming home with you" encapsulates the idea that the destination is less important than the person waiting at the end of the journey.
Metaphors such as a "hijacked plane," a "runaway train," and a "speeding bullet" illustrate the unstoppable force of the protagonist's emotions and their relentless drive to return to their loved one. These comparisons convey a sense of urgency and intensity, suggesting that nothing can deter the protagonist from their goal. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the underlying theme of longing, creating a dynamic and emotionally resonant piece that captures the essence of love and the powerful draw of a place filled with cherished memories.