VCR
The XX
Nostalgia and Intimacy in 'VCR' by The XX
The song 'VCR' by The XX captures the essence of nostalgic intimacy through its lyrics and the band's characteristic minimalist sound. The XX, known for their atmospheric and emotive music, often explores themes of love, relationships, and the emotions that come with them. In 'VCR,' the lyrics speak to a simple, yet profound connection between two people, one that is cherished and reflected upon through shared moments and memories.
The repeated references to watching things on VCRs symbolize a longing for the past and the comfort found in reliving cherished memories. VCRs, being an outdated technology, evoke a sense of nostalgia, suggesting that the relationship has a timeless quality to it. The song's chorus, 'I think we're superstars, you say you think we are the best thing,' conveys a mutual admiration and a private world where the two individuals see each other as extraordinary, despite what the outside world might think.
The desire to 'find myself by the sea' and to 'go out to the pier' and 'dive and have no fear' speaks to a yearning for freedom and self-discovery within the safety of the relationship. The sea is often a metaphor for the unknown, and in this context, it represents a journey the narrator wants to take, knowing that their partner's understanding and support is a constant, as indicated by the lines 'you, you just know, you just do.' The song, therefore, is a celebration of a deep, intuitive bond between two people, where words are unnecessary, and love is understood and felt deeply.