October Sky

YEBBA's 'October Sky' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The song opens with a vivid memory of a carefree childhood moment, where the protagonist's mother surprises her children with a rocket launch. This scene, filled with joy and innocence, is contrasted sharply with the present, where the protagonist is grappling with the absence of her mother. The imagery of the rocket shooting into the 'October sky' serves as a powerful metaphor for the mother's departure, suggesting both a physical and emotional distance that has grown over time.

The song's lyrics also touch on the protagonist's current life in the city, where she feels a sense of disconnection and grief, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The line 'the people grieve with me since the towers came down' highlights a collective sense of loss that mirrors her personal sorrow. The mention of smoking cigarettes 'since you left' underscores the coping mechanisms she has adopted to deal with her pain. The recurring motif of the 'October sky' ties these disparate elements together, symbolizing a time of change and the enduring impact of her mother's absence.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on her return to Memphis and the memories of shooting rockets with her mother. This return to her roots is both a literal and metaphorical journey, as she seeks to reconnect with her past and find solace in the memories of happier times. The repetition of 'In your October sky' at the end of the song reinforces the enduring presence of her mother in her thoughts and the lasting influence of those cherished moments. YEBBA's soulful delivery and evocative lyrics create a deeply emotional narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced loss and the longing for a time that can never be recaptured.