Alife

Slowdive's song 'Alife' delves into the complexities of relationships and the passage of time. The repeated line 'Two lives are hard lives with you' suggests a relationship that is fraught with challenges and difficulties. This repetition emphasizes the emotional weight and the struggle inherent in maintaining a connection with someone over time. The phrase 'two lives' could symbolize the individual lives of the people involved, which become intertwined and complicated when they come together.

The lyrics also reflect on the passage of time and its impact on the relationship. Lines like 'Time made fools of us all' and 'Time has got me somehow' indicate a sense of regret and the inevitability of change. The song suggests that despite efforts to understand and navigate the relationship, time has a way of altering perceptions and realities. This theme is further highlighted by the imagery of looking around and looking down, which could symbolize introspection and the search for meaning in the midst of confusion.

The mention of a river running through a town and the memory associated with it adds a layer of nostalgia and longing. Rivers often symbolize the flow of time and the continuity of life, and in this context, it represents the enduring presence of memories and the past. The repeated plea 'Don't look at me now' suggests a desire to avoid confronting the present reality, perhaps out of fear or sadness. Ultimately, 'Alife' captures the bittersweet nature of love and memory, and the way they are shaped and reshaped by the passage of time.