The Only Thing

Sufjan Stevens' song 'The Only Thing' delves deep into themes of despair, longing, and existential questioning. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with intense emotional pain and the haunting presence of a lost love. The opening lines, 'The only thing that keeps me from driving this car / Half-light, jack knife into the canyon at night,' immediately set a somber tone, suggesting a struggle with suicidal thoughts. The imagery of 'signs and wonders' and mythological references like Perseus and Medusa add layers of complexity, hinting at a search for meaning amidst chaos and suffering.

Throughout the song, Stevens uses powerful metaphors to convey the protagonist's inner turmoil. The recurring question, 'Do I care if I survive this?' reflects a deep sense of hopelessness and detachment from life. The mention of 'Daniel's message' and 'blood of the moon' evokes biblical and apocalyptic imagery, further emphasizing the gravity of the protagonist's emotional state. The lines 'Should I tear my eyes out now? / Everything I see returns to you somehow' and 'Should I tear my heart out now? / Everything I feel returns to you somehow' poignantly express the inescapable nature of the protagonist's grief and the enduring impact of the lost love.

In the final verse, Stevens introduces a glimmer of hope with the lines 'The only reason why I continue at all / Faith in reason, I wasted my life playing dumb.' This suggests a realization of the importance of faith and reason in overcoming despair. However, the song ends on a haunting note, with the protagonist still questioning their ability to move forward. The repeated refrain of 'Should I tear my eyes out now?' underscores the ongoing struggle to find peace and resolution. 'The Only Thing' is a powerful exploration of the human condition, capturing the raw emotions of loss, longing, and the search for meaning in the face of overwhelming despair.