Mid Air

Paulinho Buchanan's song "Mid Air" is a poetic exploration of longing, memory, and the ephemeral nature of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply infatuated, seeing their beloved in every detail of their surroundings. The mention of "The buttons on your collar" and "The colour on your hair" suggests a fixation on the small, intimate details that make the person unforgettable. This fixation extends to a desire for immortality, as the narrator wishes to "live forever" and watch their beloved "dancing in the air," a metaphor for the joy and freedom they associate with this person.

The song also delves into the transient nature of life and relationships. Phrases like "All the lies and make believe" and "The very things that one day leave" highlight the inevitable end of illusions and the passage of time. The imagery of the beloved "standing in mid air" evokes a sense of suspension, as if caught between reality and a dream. This is further emphasized by the reference to the girl on the high trapeze, a symbol of both grace and vulnerability. Her fall and the injury to her knees serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and love.

The lyrics also touch on themes of time and change. The wind that "blows away the leaves" and the mention of "fallen snow" and "virgin birth" suggest cycles of renewal and decay. These natural elements underscore the fleeting nature of existence, yet the narrator's vision of the beloved remains constant, "standing in mid air." This juxtaposition of permanence and impermanence creates a hauntingly beautiful tension, capturing the essence of longing and the desire to hold onto something that is inherently transient.