First Encounters

The Ninth Wave's song 'First Encounters' delves into the emotional aftermath of initial experiences and the lingering impact they have on one's psyche. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with the remnants of past encounters, which continue to shape their present and future. The phrase 'traces of them are all that remain of me' suggests that these experiences have left an indelible mark, becoming an integral part of the person's identity. The repetition of 'it always comes back' underscores the inescapable nature of these memories, highlighting the cyclical pattern of revisiting past emotions and experiences.

The chorus, with its imagery of shivering and shaking on the edge of a breakdown, captures the fragility and vulnerability that come with confronting these memories. The brink of breaking down symbolizes the thin line between holding it together and falling apart, a state that many can relate to when dealing with unresolved emotions. The line 'becoming a part of me now' signifies the acceptance of these experiences as a permanent fixture in one's life, suggesting a form of reluctant resignation.

The song also touches on the theme of conditioning, as the narrator mentions being 'conditioned for all of this.' This could imply a sense of inevitability or a learned response to recurring emotional turmoil. The repetition of falling and breaking steps in the dark conveys a sense of disorientation and the struggle to find clarity amidst confusion. The line 'it's easier to see when there's nothing to see' might suggest that in the absence of distractions, one can confront their inner turmoil more directly, albeit painfully. The haunting 'ah-ah-oooh' refrains add an ethereal quality to the song, emphasizing the haunting nature of these first encounters and their lasting impact.