Slow It Down

The Lumineers' song 'Slow It Down' is a haunting ballad that delves into themes of love, loss, and the desire for a return to simplicity in the midst of chaos. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship and the yearning for comfort and stability. The opening lines suggest a sense of contamination or corruption that the narrator feels, possibly from a toxic relationship, as they describe the need to cleanse themselves of this 'filth'. The imagery of 'velvet curtains' and 'red high heels' evokes a sense of drama and perhaps the facade that people put up in romantic entanglements.

As the song progresses, the chorus 'Slow it down, Angie come back to bed' serves as a plea for intimacy and a return to a more peaceful, grounded state. The repetition of this line throughout the song emphasizes the longing for connection and respite from the external chaos, symbolized by the noise in the street and the smashed car window. The narrator's call for Angie to 'rest your arms, and rest your legs' suggests a deep care for her well-being and a desire to protect her from the harshness of the world.

The latter part of the song reflects on the past, acknowledging that both the narrator and Angie were not adept at looking back or dealing with love. This introspection reveals a sense of regret and a recognition of their shortcomings. The final lines, 'Don't you frown when you're feeling like that / Only love can dig you out of this,' encapsulate the song's message of love being a powerful force for healing and overcoming life's struggles. The Lumineers, known for their folk-rock sound and emotionally resonant lyrics, have crafted a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexities of love and the desire for solace.