Living In A Memory

The Growlers' song 'Living In A Memory' delves into the emotional turmoil of being unable to let go of a past relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man haunted by the memories of a former lover, whose face and tender smile continue to invade his dreams. Despite recognizing that the love he once felt was 'artificially sweet,' he finds himself unable to extricate her from his thoughts. This internal conflict is likened to a 'bad mom that a good son can’t forget,' suggesting a deep-seated attachment that is difficult to sever.

The song also highlights the unfairness of this lingering obsession to the man's current relationship. He acknowledges that his fixation on the past is detrimental to the girl who loves him now, and he pleads for the memories to release their grip on him so he can 'love free.' This plea underscores the emotional weight of living in the past and the desire to move forward, yet feeling trapped by the powerful hold of old memories.

The chorus reinforces the central theme, with the repeated line 'There ain’t no grown man that should be living in a memory.' This statement serves as a self-admonition, recognizing the unhealthy nature of his fixation. The memories of making love and sweet words are described as being 'stronger than drugs,' indicating their addictive and consuming nature. The song concludes with a desperate call for liberation from these memories, emphasizing the need to 'set myself free' and remember that life is worth living for the present and future, not just the past.