Swell

The Vacant Shapes' song 'Swell' delves into the complex emotions surrounding forgiveness, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship marred by pain and misunderstanding, where one party feels the need to erase memories and the other is left grappling with the emotional aftermath. The opening lines, 'Someday you'll say / You had the right / To bleach the memories / Which once contained me,' suggest a sense of betrayal and the desire to forget past hurts, highlighting the human tendency to rewrite history to cope with emotional pain.

The recurring refrain, 'Wouldn't it be / Wouldn't it be it swell to forgive?' serves as a poignant reminder of the healing power of forgiveness. The repetition of 'Wouldn't it be swell' underscores a longing for reconciliation and the hope that letting go of past grievances could lead to a more fulfilling life. This sentiment is further emphasized in the lines, 'Wouldn't we do / Wouldn't we do well just alive?' suggesting that merely surviving isn't enough; true well-being comes from emotional resolution and moving forward.

The song also touches on the futility of holding onto grudges and the eventual realization that time spent on unresolved issues is wasted. 'Someday you'll need / Apologies / For all the time you waste / On history erased' speaks to the inevitability of regret and the importance of addressing past mistakes. The Vacant Shapes use these lyrics to explore the delicate balance between remembering and forgetting, and the ultimate peace that comes from forgiveness. The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone captures the essence of human relationships and the universal desire for emotional closure and healing.