Patient Love

Passenger's 'Patient Love' is a poignant exploration of enduring love and the patience it demands. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is willing to wait, no matter the circumstances. The imagery of holding onto small tokens, like a pinch of tobacco or a polaroid picture, symbolizes the narrator's commitment to preserving memories and moments until they can be shared with their loved one again. This act of waiting is not just about the passage of time but about the emotional endurance and steadfastness required to keep love alive.

The recurring metaphor of the sea washing away the sand and the old being replaced by the new highlights the inevitability of change and the passage of time. Despite this, the narrator's promise to wait underscores a deep sense of loyalty and hope. The lines 'four will not wait for three, for three never waited for two' suggest a sequence of events or relationships where patience is not reciprocated, yet the narrator remains steadfast in their resolve to wait for their beloved.

The song also touches on the pain of unspoken words and unfulfilled promises. The 'three words on the tip of my tongue' that are held back until they can be 'screamed at the top of my lungs' again, reflect the intensity of emotions that are kept in check, waiting for the right moment to be expressed. This restraint and the eventual release of these emotions signify the depth of the narrator's feelings and the hope that one day, they will be reunited with their loved one. 'Patient Love' is a beautiful testament to the power of patience, loyalty, and the enduring nature of true love.