What You're Thinking (feat. Josh Pyke)

Passenger's song "What You're Thinking (feat. Josh Pyke)" delves into the complexities and frustrations of a relationship where communication has broken down. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional distance between two people who were once close. The opening lines, "You’re just a stones throw from me / But throwing stones could never be / The perfect way to start," set the tone for the song, highlighting the futility of conflict and the damage caused by harsh words and actions. The metaphor of stones and sticks underscores the physical and emotional pain that can arise from misunderstandings and miscommunications.

The chorus reveals the singer's deep yearning to understand their partner's thoughts and feelings: "If I knew what you were thinking / I would stop this boat from sinking." This metaphor of a sinking boat symbolizes the deteriorating state of their relationship, which the singer feels powerless to save without insight into their partner's mind. The imagery of sand slipping through hands and the sun setting emphasizes the fleeting and elusive nature of their connection, further illustrating the singer's sense of helplessness and loss.

Throughout the song, Passenger uses poignant metaphors to convey the emotional weight of the situation. The lines "You’re just a photo in a draw / But photographs are not much more / Than ghosts we can’t forget" suggest that memories of the past haunt the singer, while the comparison of the partner to a red rag to a bull and false hope for a fool highlights the frustration and futility of their efforts to bridge the gap. The song's closing lines, "But darling you are like the stars / I know I can’t reach that far," encapsulate the unattainable nature of true understanding and connection in their relationship, leaving the listener with a sense of melancholy and longing.