All I Want To Hear You Say

Sea Girls' song "All I Want To Hear You Say" delves into the emotional complexities of longing and unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two individuals who once shared a close bond but now live in vastly different worlds. The protagonist is stuck in a routine life, working shifts, while the other person has seemingly moved on to a more glamorous existence, symbolized by 'putting on pearls.' This stark contrast sets the stage for the protagonist's yearning to reconnect, even if just for a moment, to hear that they are still remembered and missed.

The song is rich with metaphors and imagery that highlight the emotional distance between the two characters. The 'body shape as a warning sign' and 'face made for TV' suggest that the other person was always destined for a different path, one filled with public attention and success. Despite this, the protagonist can't help but keep tabs on them, seeing them in the news and attending their plays. This constant reminder makes it difficult to move on, encapsulating the struggle of letting go of someone who has become a significant part of one's life.

The recurring question, 'How you doing?' serves as a poignant refrain throughout the song. It's a simple yet loaded question, representing the protagonist's deep-seated need for reassurance and closure. They want to hear that they are still important, that a part of them will always be carried by the other person. This desire for validation and the difficulty of forgetting someone who has moved on are universal themes that resonate with anyone who has experienced unrequited love or a significant emotional loss.