Modern Love

In 'Modern Love,' Sons of Leaves delve into the complexities and pressures of contemporary relationships and personal ambitions. The song opens with a sense of urgency and despair, as the protagonist feels overwhelmed by the demands of modern love and life. The lyrics 'My life is on edge - no way around / This modern love is pushing me down' encapsulate the feeling of being trapped and suffocated by societal expectations and personal aspirations. The protagonist's desire to see and experience more is hindered by a sense of losing oneself entirely in the process.

The song further explores the internal conflict between striving for personal achievements and the toll it takes on one's mental and emotional well-being. Lines like 'There is always something I believe / That I could do that I achieve / When I just try as hard as I can' reflect the relentless pursuit of success and self-improvement. However, this pursuit comes at a cost, leading to feelings of exhaustion and disillusionment. The repeated refrain 'I don’t want to follow any further / I don’t want to try that much again' highlights the protagonist's growing weariness and desire to escape the cycle of constant striving.

The narrative also touches on the impact of these pressures on personal relationships. The protagonist's partner is depicted as waiting patiently, yet the protagonist is caught in a loop of self-improvement and time-wasting, leading to neglect and emotional distance. The lyrics 'She’s been waiting for me like crazy / But I am always wasting time' underscore the tension between personal goals and relationship commitments. The song questions the source of this relentless drive and whether it is possible to break free from it, ultimately leaving the listener to ponder the balance between personal ambition and emotional fulfillment.