Writing’s On The Wall

In 'Writing’s On The Wall,' ROLE MODEL delves into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the often painful process of letting go. The song opens with a conversation between the protagonist and his father, who is offering advice based on his own youthful experiences. The father’s story about a girl he met at nineteen serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting that some relationships are doomed from the start because the 'puzzle won't piece.' This metaphor highlights the idea that not all relationships are meant to fit together perfectly, no matter how much one might wish otherwise.

The protagonist is clearly struggling with his emotions, as evidenced by his sleepless nights and the physical discomfort he feels. The line 'Guess this is what love feels like, alright' captures the bittersweet nature of love—it's both exhilarating and exhausting. The recurring theme of coldness, both literal and metaphorical, suggests a sense of emotional distance and isolation. Despite his father's advice and his own awareness that the relationship is unhealthy, the protagonist finds it difficult to let go, pretending he can't see the 'writing on the wall.' This phrase is a powerful metaphor for ignoring obvious signs that something is wrong.

The song also touches on the protagonist's interactions with others, such as a waitress who offers him superficial comfort. Her words, 'Honey, you'll be alright,' are well-meaning but ultimately hollow, as she 'gets paid to be nice.' This interaction underscores the protagonist's sense of loneliness and his desperate search for genuine connection. The repeated refrain of 'you're forgetting me' poignantly captures the pain of feeling abandoned and unimportant to someone you love. ROLE MODEL's raw and honest lyrics, combined with a melancholic melody, create a deeply relatable narrative about the struggles of young love and the heartache that often accompanies it.