The Flame That Never Goes Out: The Pain and Relief in 'Flames'

The song Flames by Will Swinton is a powerful reflection on lost love and the pain that lingers after the end of a significant relationship. The lyricist recalls moments when love was a refuge, a safe harbor during the darkest and coldest nights. However, with the arrival of dawn, reality sets in, revealing truths that were previously hidden. This transition from comfort to solitude is a central theme in the song, highlighting the fragility of human relationships and the inevitability of change.

The lyrics also explore the pain of loss, comparing it to a fire that burns from within. The lyricist tries to cope with this pain through self-destructive behaviors, such as the use of alcohol, symbolized by the "bitter cup" and the "burying the bottles with the bones." This powerful metaphor illustrates the attempt to numb the pain and escape reality, but it also suggests that no matter how hard one tries to flee, the pain remains as a constant reminder of the love that was once lived.

Interestingly, the song suggests a sense of relief in recognizing that this pain is the only thing keeping the lyricist alive and connected to the human experience. The flame of passion, even extinguished, continues to burn within, serving as a reminder of the intensity of past love. This duality between pain and relief, destruction and survival, is what makes Flames such an emotionally resonant and universal song.

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  1. Better Days
  2. Daydream
  3. Flames
  4. Walls
  5. Hold You Again
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