Set The Fire To The Third Bar (feat. Martha Wainwright)

Snow Patrol's 'Set The Fire To The Third Bar,' featuring Martha Wainwright, is a poignant exploration of longing and the emotional toll of physical separation. The song opens with the imagery of a map, symbolizing the distance between two lovers. The protagonist draws a straight line over various landscapes, emphasizing the vastness that separates them. This distance is not just physical but also emotional, as the protagonist can only imagine touching their lover's face, feeling the creases of 'distant dark places.' This metaphor highlights the deep yearning and the sense of isolation that comes with being apart from a loved one.

The song then transitions to a bar scene, where the protagonist hangs up their coat, symbolizing a temporary respite from their journey. However, the bar offers no peace; instead, it is filled with the noise of drunken men and flawed conversations. This setting contrasts sharply with the protagonist's internal world, where the words of their lover are 'like music.' This juxtaposition underscores the dissonance between the external chaos and the internal solace found in memories of the loved one.

The chorus captures the essence of the song's emotional core. The protagonist lies down on the cold ground, praying to be transported into the warm arms of their lover. This imagery of coldness and warmth serves as a powerful metaphor for the emotional states of despair and comfort. The idea of setting the fire to the third bar symbolizes a moment of reunion and intimacy, where the lovers can share their lives like an island, isolated yet complete. The song beautifully captures the cyclical nature of longing and reunion, ending on a note of hopeful yearning for the warmth and closeness of a loved one.