Linger

Poppy's song 'Linger' delves into the complex emotions of love, loss, and the haunting memories that remain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night filled with stars, only to reveal the inevitable darkness that follows. This imagery of stars dying and black holes serves as a metaphor for the end of a relationship, where something once beautiful and bright has now faded into nothingness. The line 'something shapeshiftin' deep in your mind' suggests the ever-changing nature of emotions and memories, hinting at the confusion and turmoil that often accompany the end of a significant relationship.

The chorus, with its repeated phrase 'you let it linger,' emphasizes the lingering pain and memories that refuse to fade away. The idea of following 'anywhere your blood flows red' and making the other person 'just like me' suggests a deep, almost obsessive connection, where the narrator is willing to go to great lengths to remain intertwined with their partner, even if it means losing themselves in the process. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the destructive nature of love when it becomes all-consuming and the difficulty of letting go.

In the second verse, the lyrics 'In the whites of your eyes, I can see my next life' and 'Smell the lilies at night' evoke a sense of foreboding and finality. Lilies are often associated with funerals, further reinforcing the theme of death and the end of something significant. The narrator's plea to be remembered, even if it means being lied to, highlights the desperation to leave a lasting impression, to not be forgotten despite the relationship's end. The song's haunting melody and repetitive structure mirror the cyclical nature of these lingering emotions, making 'Linger' a poignant exploration of love's enduring impact.