Past Life

Tame Impala's 'Past Life' is a reflective and introspective song that delves into the unexpected resurgence of old memories and emotions. The narrative begins with a mundane task—picking up a suit from the dry cleaners—highlighting the protagonist's routine and seemingly stable life. However, a fleeting glimpse in the rear-view mirror triggers a flood of memories, bringing back the image of a former lover. This sudden encounter with the past disrupts the protagonist's sense of normalcy, illustrating how deeply buried emotions can resurface unexpectedly.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that was once significant but has since been relegated to the past. Described as 'somewhere between a lover and a friend,' the relationship was surreal and poetic, yet uncertain and confusing. The protagonist admits to having shut down these memories, using 'a cheap solution to black out regret.' This metaphor suggests a deliberate effort to forget, yet the past remains potent and capable of disrupting the present. The song captures the complexity of human emotions, where past experiences continue to influence one's current state of mind.

As the song progresses, the protagonist grapples with the impact of this encounter. The realization that their life has become a 'banal slog' since the end of the relationship leads to a moment of introspection. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and curiosity about the former lover's current life, culminating in a hesitant decision to reach out. The repeated refrain 'from a past life' underscores the haunting nature of these memories, suggesting that the past is never truly gone. Tame Impala's 'Past Life' is a poignant exploration of how past relationships shape our present, blending nostalgia with a sense of unresolved emotions.