In Memoriam

The Oh Hellos' song 'In Memoriam' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and self-worth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both literal and metaphorical, to reach a place of emotional reconciliation. The opening lines describe a long journey to the sea, symbolizing a quest for reunion and peace. The imagery of 'wild arms swinging' and 'holding close by the salty water' evokes a sense of longing and the deep desire for connection. However, the narrator's self-doubt surfaces with the line 'you are far too beautiful to love me,' highlighting a recurring theme of unworthiness and insecurity.

The song then shifts to the arduous climb up a 'dusty mountain,' representing the struggles and barriers the narrator faces in their relationship. The 'turret tall enough to keep you out' suggests a defensive mechanism built to protect oneself from potential hurt. The narrator acknowledges their own flaws and financial struggles, symbolized by 'holes in my pockets burned by liar's gold,' which further deepens their sense of inadequacy. This part of the song underscores the internal battles and the fear of not being enough for the one they love.

In the final verse, the song reflects on the pain of loss and the realization of what has been left behind. The lines 'you don't know what you've got until you're gone' and 'if you're doing all the leaving, then it's never your love lost' speak to the regret and the harsh lessons learned from past mistakes. The narrator admits to a tendency to leave, even when it comes to their faith, yet they recognize the beauty and worth of the one they love. The song concludes with a bittersweet acknowledgment of the narrator's flaws and the enduring beauty of their beloved, encapsulating the complex emotions of love, loss, and self-reflection.