dehydrate

In 'dehydrate,' Solomon paints a poignant picture of unreciprocated love and the emotional toll it takes. The song begins with the narrator presenting a bouquet of flowers to their beloved, a gesture that symbolizes their deep affection and the effort they put into the relationship. The flowers, stolen from neighbors' yards and carefully selected to include the recipient's favorites, represent the narrator's dedication and thoughtfulness. However, the beloved's neglect of the flowers, allowing them to dehydrate within days, serves as a metaphor for the lack of care and attention given to the relationship itself.

The lyrics delve deeper into the narrator's feelings of regret and wasted effort. They reflect on the time and energy invested in the relationship, only to realize that it was never truly appreciated or reciprocated. This realization brings about a sense of heartbreak and disillusionment, as the narrator wishes they had known earlier that their efforts would be in vain. The repeated imagery of the dehydrated flowers underscores the theme of neglect and the emotional drain experienced by the narrator.

As the song progresses, the narrator's internal struggle becomes more evident. They ponder over the recipient's preferences, questioning whether their efforts will ever be acknowledged or valued. The contemplation of asking the beloved to be their wife highlights the depth of the narrator's feelings and the seriousness with which they approached the relationship. However, the recurring motif of the dehydrated flowers serves as a stark reminder of the one-sided nature of their love, leaving the narrator in a state of emotional turmoil and uncertainty.