Old Love / New Love

Twin Shadow's song 'Old Love / New Love' delves into the complex emotions that arise when past relationships resurface and intersect with new ones. The lyrics capture the protagonist's struggle as an old flame reaches out, stirring up unresolved feelings and memories. The opening lines, 'What am I supposed to say? An old love called me yesterday,' set the stage for a narrative filled with emotional turmoil and introspection. The sweetness in the old lover's voice contrasts sharply with the pain it brings, highlighting the bittersweet nature of revisiting past relationships.

The chorus, with its repeated line 'Drill me to the floor, this hurts even more than I expected it to do,' vividly conveys the intensity of the protagonist's emotional pain. The use of the word 'drill' suggests a deep, penetrating hurt that is almost physical in its impact. This metaphor underscores the unexpected depth of the protagonist's suffering, as they grapple with the resurgence of old feelings while trying to move forward with a new love.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics shift focus to the new love, who offers solace and understanding. Lines like 'I couldn’t sleep, you said: just sleep with me' and 'I couldn’t speak, you said: I’m listening' depict a nurturing and supportive relationship. However, the lingering presence of the old love complicates this new connection, as evidenced by the repeated plea, 'Old love, it’s been so long, why you gotta call and hurt me?' This juxtaposition of old and new love highlights the protagonist's internal conflict and the difficulty of fully embracing a new relationship while still haunted by the past.

Ultimately, 'Old Love / New Love' is a poignant exploration of the enduring impact of past relationships and the challenges of moving on. It captures the raw, often painful process of reconciling old emotions with new beginnings, making it a relatable and emotionally resonant piece for anyone who has experienced the complexities of love and loss.