Rings Around My Father's Eyes

The War On Drugs' song "Rings Around My Father's Eyes" delves into themes of self-discovery, memory, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with their sense of direction and identity. The opening lines, "I've never really known which way I'm facing / But I feel like something's changed," suggest a moment of introspection and realization. The storm outside and the aging walls symbolize the external and internal challenges the narrator faces, hinting at a period of upheaval and transformation.

The recurring imagery of "rings around my father's eyes" serves as a poignant metaphor for the passage of time and the wisdom gained through experience. This line evokes a sense of legacy and the inevitable aging process, connecting the narrator's journey to that of their father. The mention of the "light above the morning sea" and the descent "into darkness" further emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, where moments of clarity and obscurity alternate. The narrator's willingness to "fall into the ocean deep / Just to bring you back" underscores a deep sense of commitment and sacrifice, possibly for a loved one or a lost part of themselves.

The song also touches on themes of loss and redemption. The lines "How can I give back what once was stolen? / How can I stay all day?" reflect a longing to reclaim something precious that has been lost, whether it be time, innocence, or a cherished relationship. The bridge connecting the narrator and the rings around the father's eyes symbolize a link between past and present, suggesting that understanding one's roots can provide guidance in navigating the future. The closing lines, "No one really knows which way they're facing / Till they're coming back down," encapsulate the uncertainty of life's journey and the moments of clarity that often come only after experiencing significant trials.