We Used to Wait

Arcade Fire's song 'We Used to Wait' is a poignant reflection on the rapid changes in our lives and the sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. The lyrics evoke a time when people used to write letters and wait for their arrival, a stark contrast to the instant gratification of today's digital age. The act of writing letters symbolizes a deeper, more personal form of communication that has been lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life. The repetition of 'I used to write' and 'I used to wait' underscores the longing for a time when life moved at a slower pace and allowed for more meaningful connections.

The song also touches on the theme of change and the inevitable passage of time. The lines 'Now our lives are changing fast' and 'Hope that something pure can last' express a desire to hold onto the purity and simplicity of the past amidst the chaos of the present. The 'flashing lights' that 'settled deep in my brain' can be interpreted as the overwhelming influx of information and stimuli in the digital age, which has altered the way we think and interact with the world.

The metaphor of the 'wilderness downtown' represents a sense of being lost or disconnected in the modern urban environment. Despite the advancements in technology and communication, there is a feeling of isolation and longing for genuine human connection. The repeated phrase 'We used to wait' serves as a lament for the lost art of patience and the anticipation that once brought excitement and meaning to our lives. The song ultimately calls for a return to more authentic and heartfelt forms of communication, as symbolized by the decision to 'write a letter to my true love' and 'sign my name.'