Vapour Trail

Ride's song 'Vapour Trail' captures the fleeting and ephemeral nature of love and human connection. The lyrics open with a juxtaposition of strength and fragility, as the subject initially appears strong but then fades away. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the transient nature of relationships. The line 'The sun will blind my eyes, I love you anyway' suggests that despite the inevitable challenges and obstacles, the speaker's love remains steadfast.

The metaphor of a 'vapour trail in a deep blue sky' is central to the song's theme. A vapour trail, left by an airplane, is a temporary mark in the sky that eventually dissipates. This imagery beautifully encapsulates the idea of a love that is visible and impactful but ultimately fleeting. The speaker's longing and admiration are evident in lines like 'Thirsty for your smile, I watch you for a while,' indicating a deep emotional connection that is both intense and transient.

The song also touches on the uncertainty and unpredictability of love. Phrases like 'You seem to come and go, I never seem to know' reflect the elusive nature of the relationship. Despite this uncertainty, the speaker expresses a sense of shared time and mutual ownership of their moments together, as seen in 'And all my time, is yours as much as mine.' The closing lines, 'We never have enough, time to show our love,' poignantly underscore the theme of impermanence, emphasizing the preciousness of the time they do have together.