Unfinished Business

White Lies' song "Unfinished Business" delves into the haunting and emotional turmoil of a love that transcends life and death. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who arrives to find their lover in a state of distress, holding scissors, which could symbolize a potential act of self-harm or a metaphorical cutting of ties. The urgency in the opening lines sets the stage for a dramatic and poignant narrative.

As the song progresses, the protagonist realizes that their lover is no longer among the living, as indicated by the line, "You were talking to God now." This revelation is both shocking and heartbreaking, as the protagonist grapples with the reality of their lover's death. The imagery of blood on hands and the plea for more time underscores the sense of guilt and unfinished business that the protagonist feels. The repeated calls to dance and kiss like they used to highlight a desperate desire to reclaim lost moments and relive happier times.

The song's climax is marked by the protagonist's reflection in the mirror, or rather, the lack thereof, symbolizing their own death or a loss of identity. The voice beckoning them to go and the requiem playing in the background suggest a final farewell, yet the protagonist's scream of "I've got unfinished business!" indicates a refusal to let go. This powerful ending leaves listeners with a sense of unresolved tension and the lingering impact of love and loss.