Coins

Local Natives' song 'Coins' delves into the complex and often elusive nature of time and human connection. The opening lines, 'Time stands still and then one day it's gone / Where did it go? / Where did I go?' set the tone for a reflective journey. The lyrics suggest a sense of disorientation and loss, as if the passage of time has left the narrator questioning their own existence and the choices they've made. This theme is further explored through the recurring question, 'How much is enough?' which speaks to the universal human struggle of finding satisfaction and meaning in life.

The song also touches on the challenges of maintaining relationships over long distances and different time zones. The line 'Nineteen hours from my door to yours / I count the miles and all the while / Waiting for the sun to rise' captures the physical and emotional distance between the narrator and their loved one. The imagery of counting miles and waiting for the sun to rise symbolizes the longing and anticipation that come with being apart. The repeated question, 'How can you be sure of?' adds another layer of uncertainty, highlighting the difficulty of staying connected and confident in a relationship when separated by time and space.

In the chorus, the metaphor 'we're on the same side of different coins' encapsulates the idea of being fundamentally connected yet experiencing life from different perspectives. This duality is a poignant reminder that even in close relationships, individuals can feel isolated and out of sync. The desire to 'struggle again' suggests a willingness to face challenges together, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences in strengthening bonds. Through its introspective lyrics and evocative imagery, 'Coins' by Local Natives offers a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the complexities of human connection.