Look At You

Screaming Trees' song 'Look At You' delves into the haunting presence of a past love that continues to linger in the mind and heart of the narrator. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a ghostly figure that resides in the narrator's thoughts, especially during the night. This spectral presence symbolizes the enduring impact of a lost love, one that the narrator still yearns for despite the passage of time. The use of phrases like 'rose colored skies' and 'blue, blue moonlight' suggests a sense of nostalgia and longing, as if the narrator is reminiscing about the beautiful moments shared with this person. The mention of 'miracles on high' and the ghost 'walking by' further emphasizes the ethereal and almost divine nature of this lingering presence.

The chorus reveals the emotional turmoil that this haunting love brings. When the narrator looks at the memory of this person, they feel as though they have a 'second chance,' a fleeting opportunity to rekindle what was lost. However, this hope is quickly dashed as the reality of their absence sets in, leading to a sense of despair. The line 'one by one they fall it always breaks me down' suggests a pattern of repeated heartbreak, as if the narrator is constantly reminded of their loss and the pain it brings.

The imagery of 'the quiet cuts me thru,' 'the candle burnt,' and 'the knife has turned' conveys the deep emotional pain and emptiness that the narrator feels. These metaphors highlight the intensity of their suffering, as if the silence and memories are physically wounding them. Despite this pain, the narrator acknowledges that they are still alive, albeit deeply affected by the ghost of their past love. The song concludes with the haunting image of the ghost hiding in the narrator's eyes, signifying that this love will always be a part of them, no matter how much time passes.