Buenos Aires Beach

The War On Drugs' song 'Buenos Aires Beach' is a poetic exploration of emotional turmoil, personal growth, and the passage of time. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that paint a vivid picture of the narrator's internal struggles and relationships. The opening lines, 'My barricades feel open now / So I leave behind the bridge,' suggest a sense of vulnerability and a willingness to move forward from past defenses. The mention of a 'flag with a western wave and a simple stitch to fix' symbolizes a fragile attempt at mending and moving on.

The song delves into themes of rescue and disappointment, as seen in the lines, 'You'll save me from the rumble you spoke of before / And the one who saved you / Ain't the one who you were banking on.' This reflects the unpredictability of relationships and the often unexpected sources of support. The recurring motif of highs and lows cutting through each other underscores the emotional rollercoaster that the narrator experiences.

The setting of a 'Buenos Aires beach' serves as a metaphorical backdrop for the narrator's reflections. The imagery of hearing the ocean but not seeing the breeze captures a sense of longing and unfulfilled desires. The song also touches on the passage of time and the inevitability of change, as highlighted in the lines, 'And this winter it came to pass / So much slower than the last / And now there's nothing left to grasp.' The use of future perfect tense in 'they'll speak of the past / In the future perfect tense' suggests a contemplation of future memories and the places they will go before growing old.

Overall, 'Buenos Aires Beach' is a deeply introspective song that navigates the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the passage of time. The War On Drugs' signature blend of folk-rock and ambient soundscapes enhances the lyrical depth, creating a hauntingly beautiful listening experience.