Past Life

Tame Impala's 'Past Life' is a reflective and introspective song that delves into the unexpected resurfacing 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 structured life. However, this ordinary moment is disrupted when a fleeting reflection in the rearview mirror triggers a cascade of memories about a past lover. This sudden recollection is both startling and haunting, likened to seeing a ghost, and it momentarily paralyzes the protagonist, forcing them to confront a part of their history they thought was long buried.

The lyrics explore the complex nature of past relationships, describing the lover as somewhere between a friend and a romantic partner. The memories are surreal and poetic, filled with sensory details that make them vivid yet confusing. The protagonist admits to having suppressed these memories, trying to block out the emotional impact of the past. Despite these efforts, the past feels undeniably real, almost like a different life altogether. This internal conflict between wanting to move on and being unable to fully let go is a central theme of the song.

As the day progresses, the protagonist finds it increasingly difficult to dismiss the encounter as a mere coincidence. The resurfaced memories consume their thoughts, revealing that their perceived progress in moving on was merely a form of emotional numbness. This realization brings a sense of disillusionment with their current life, described as a 'banal slogan.' The song ends on an ambiguous note, with the protagonist contemplating whether to reach out to the past lover, symbolizing the enduring impact of past relationships on our present lives. The final line, 'Hello?' leaves the listener hanging, emphasizing the unresolved nature of these emotions and the uncertainty of revisiting the past.