Smoke Signals

Phoebe Bridgers' song 'Smoke Signals' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship marked by shared experiences and deep emotional connections. The song begins with a nostalgic trip to the place where the partner grew up, highlighting the intimacy and familiarity between the two. The reference to 'Walden it with you' suggests a desire for simplicity and a return to nature, reminiscent of Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden'. However, the mention of Lemmy's death and the unchanged state of L.A. introduces a sense of inevitability and the passage of time, underscoring the transient nature of life and relationships.

The recurring imagery of 'sending smoke signals' and 'pelicans circling' evokes a sense of longing and searching. Smoke signals, an ancient form of communication, symbolize the partner's attempts to reach out and connect, despite the emotional distance. The line 'burning trash out on the beach' suggests a sense of cleansing or letting go of the past. The song delves into the partner's troubled past, with references to a difficult childhood and the haunting memory of 'How Soon Is Now' by The Smiths. This shared vulnerability creates a bond between the two, even though the narrator admits to never fully understanding the partner's experiences.

The desire to escape from reality is a recurring theme in the song. The narrator fantasizes about living at the Holiday Inn, where they can hide from life's problems and responsibilities. The mention of David Bowie's death adds to the sense of loss and the desire to retreat from the world. The song concludes with a powerful metaphor of burying a hatchet that 'comes up lavender', symbolizing the possibility of healing and new beginnings. The future is described as 'unwritten', offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. The final lines, 'You are anonymous, I am a concrete wall', reflect the emotional barriers that still exist between the two, despite their deep connection.