Same Sun

Real Estate's song 'Same Sun' delves into themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time. The lyrics reflect a sense of displacement and the struggle to fit in, as the narrator acknowledges their accent and inability to fully assimilate. This feeling of being an outsider is juxtaposed with the idea of being on a holiday, suggesting a temporary state of being that leaves a lasting impact. The line 'There will always be a trace of this place in me' underscores the enduring influence of past experiences on one's identity.

The song also explores the fluidity of time and memory. The repeated question, 'When does one thing ever end and the next begin?' highlights the blurred lines between past and present. The metaphor of every day feeling like a hyphen suggests a continuous, unbroken experience where moments are interconnected. This is further emphasized by the reference to 'Green River,' a symbol of constancy and continuity, running under the 'same sun,' which represents the unchanging nature of certain elements in life despite the passage of time.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator expresses a reluctance to retrace their steps, indicating a desire to move forward rather than dwell on the past. However, the acknowledgment that 'all that madness now is where I'm going' suggests that past experiences inevitably shape one's future. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of the lasting impact of these experiences, as the 'Green River still runs under that same sun,' symbolizing the enduring presence of the past in the present and future.