You Belong (feat. Laura Gibson)

The Avener's song 'You Belong,' featuring Laura Gibson, delves into themes of belonging, purpose, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of someone reflecting on their past, grappling with the remnants of 'half-love' and the nostalgia of 'the olden days.' This sense of looking back is tinged with a melancholic realization that the fervor and wildness of youth have faded, leaving behind a more subdued existence. The song questions the nature of love and purpose, likening it to dragging a 'dead deer by its horns'—a burdensome task that neither leads to salvation nor escape, but is done out of a sense of duty or habit.

The chorus, 'You belong to the cause,' serves as a rallying cry, urging the listener to reconnect with a sense of purpose and community. It calls for a reawakening, a pulling of 'heels from the farthest corner' they've been in, suggesting that the individual has distanced themselves from their true calling or community. This plea is both a reminder and an invitation to rejoin a collective effort, to believe in something greater than oneself. The repetition of 'You belong to us' reinforces this sense of communal belonging and shared purpose.

The song also touches on the inevitability of change and the loss of youth. Lines like 'We were young once, we were wilder in our boots' contrast sharply with 'Now we've dried up, we no longer have our youth to sell.' This juxtaposition highlights the passage of time and the transformation that comes with it. Despite these changes, the song encourages carrying 'all your desire to a flame,' suggesting that passion and purpose can still be reignited, even in the face of aging and disillusionment. The imagery of 'black shadows' and 'back-battles' held in one's lungs for too long further emphasizes the weight of past struggles and the need to release them in order to move forward.