Traffic Lights

Sara Kays' song 'Traffic Lights' poignantly captures the emotional distance that can grow in a relationship, using the metaphor of a car journey to illustrate the changes in intimacy and connection. The lyrics describe a couple driving on I-65, where the physical closeness of the past—symbolized by a hand on the leg and shared glances—has been replaced by a more distant and mechanical interaction. The protagonist notices that their partner now keeps both hands on the wheel and avoids conversation, claiming to focus on driving. This shift in behavior is a clear metaphor for the emotional distance that has developed between them.

The traffic lights in the song serve as a powerful symbol of the relationship's changing dynamics. Red and yellow lights, which once represented opportunities for connection and conversation, are now moments of tension and silence. The protagonist's longing for a red light, where their partner might turn and express love, contrasts sharply with the current reality where green lights are preferred to avoid the painful silence. This shift from hoping for red lights to green lights underscores the protagonist's growing resignation and the sense that their partner is emotionally checked out.

The song's chorus, with its repeated emphasis on the partner's unwavering focus on the road, highlights the protagonist's fear and uncertainty. The safe driving, which should be reassuring, instead becomes a source of anxiety, symbolizing the emotional safety that has been lost. The protagonist's fear that each car ride might be the last time they are together encapsulates the fragility of their relationship. Sara Kays' gentle yet evocative vocal delivery adds to the song's emotional weight, making 'Traffic Lights' a relatable and heart-wrenching exploration of love, distance, and the longing for connection.