Little Black Submarines

The song 'Little Black Submarines' by The Black Keys is a poignant reflection on loss, heartbreak, and the struggle to regain control over one's thoughts and emotions. The metaphor of a 'little black submarine' suggests a journey into the depths, possibly representing the singer's descent into the dark waters of his psyche following a painful experience. The repeated pleas to the 'operator' to be put back on the line or to be reconnected to his mind indicate a desire to return to a state of normalcy and clarity, which has been disrupted by emotional turmoil.

The chorus, with its haunting line 'That a broken heart is blind,' underscores the confusion and disorientation that often accompany heartbreak. The inability to see things clearly or to recognize the warning signs ('I should've seen it glow') is a common experience when one is overwhelmed by emotions. The song captures the universal feeling of being lost and out of time, as if the world has moved on without you. The references to 'treasure maps, fallen trees,' and 'stolen friends and disease' evoke a sense of betrayal and a world turned upside down.

The Black Keys are known for their blues-rock sound, and 'Little Black Submarines' exemplifies their ability to blend raw emotion with compelling music. The song starts with a gentle, acoustic intro, building up to a powerful electric crescendo that mirrors the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The transition from soft to loud reflects the internal battle between vulnerability and the search for strength in the face of heartache. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt adrift in the aftermath of a broken relationship, searching for a way back to themselves.