Goldmine

White Lies' song 'Goldmine' delves into themes of love, loss, and the quest for new beginnings. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship strained by time and distance, with the protagonist yearning for the warmth and safety of their lover's arms. The imagery of the 'foreign sun' and 'choirs of the air and sea' evokes a sense of longing and the natural world's beauty, contrasting with the emotional turmoil the protagonist feels.

The recurring motif of 'digging in the goldmine' symbolizes the search for something valuable and transformative. The 'white smile' and 'blue eyes' of the lover suggest a sense of purity and hope, yet the repeated observation that the girl 'looks tired' hints at the exhaustion and weariness that come with this relentless pursuit. The goldmine metaphor can be interpreted as the lover's quest for a new life, perhaps seeking happiness or fulfillment in new experiences or relationships.

The song also touches on the passage of time and its impact on love. Phrases like 'this killing time is gonna bruise forever' and 'better late than never' reflect the pain of waiting and the desire to turn back time to salvage what remains of the relationship. The protagonist's actions, such as throwing alms at hands from the streets, suggest a sense of guilt and a hope that good deeds might somehow lead to reconciliation or redemption. Ultimately, 'Goldmine' captures the complex emotions of love, loss, and the hope for renewal, set against a backdrop of evocative imagery and poignant metaphors.