This Year

The White Buffalo's song 'This Year' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, capturing the cyclical nature of hope, despair, and the human desire for change. The lyrics take the listener through the seasons, each representing different phases of life and emotional states. The song begins with the New Year, a time often associated with fresh starts and resolutions. However, the singer quickly acknowledges the repetitive nature of life, as the same cast of characters and familiar routines reappear. The countdown to midnight and the celebratory kiss are tinged with a sense of melancholy, as the singer hopes to make it home alive, hinting at underlying struggles and uncertainties.

As the song progresses through spring and summer, there is a brief sense of renewal and optimism. The imagery of blooming flowers, singing birds, and warm sunshine evokes a sense of possibility and joy. Yet, the singer admits to feeling unchanged despite the changing seasons. This juxtaposition highlights the internal conflict between the desire for personal growth and the reality of feeling stuck. The line 'Maybe I'll get better, maybe I'll be different this year' encapsulates this tension, expressing both hope and doubt.

Autumn and winter bring a return to darker themes, with falling leaves symbolizing loss and the harshness of winter representing life's challenges. The singer grapples with feelings of disillusionment and the harsh realities of life, such as financial struggles and the inability to find joy in festive traditions. The repeated refrain of 'Well, I've done wrong, well, I've done right, that's clear' suggests a recognition of past mistakes and achievements, but also a yearning for a better future. The song ends on a note of uncertainty, with the singer contemplating the possibility of change in the coming year, yet acknowledging the difficulty of breaking free from old patterns.

'This Year' by The White Buffalo is a deeply introspective song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of life. It captures the universal struggle to find meaning and hope amidst the passage of time, making it a powerful and relatable piece of music.