Christmas Lights
Zach Seabaugh
Unrequited Love and the Pain of Holding On
Zach Seabaugh's "Christmas Lights" is a poignant reflection on unrequited love and the struggle of clinging to a relationship that has long since faded. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing and the pain of realizing that the affection is not mutual. The metaphor of leaving Christmas lights up in June serves as a powerful image of holding onto something that is out of place and time, highlighting the singer's inability to move on from a love that is no longer reciprocated.
The song's narrative explores the internal conflict between the heart and the head, where the protagonist is aware of the futility of their feelings but is still emotionally invested. The reference to chasing the light of stars that have already died is a metaphor for pursuing a love that has ended, emphasizing the delay between the star's death and the moment its light stops being visible, much like the delay in accepting the end of a relationship. This theme of chasing illusions is further reinforced by the acknowledgment of the other person's indifference, which adds to the protagonist's emotional turmoil.
Seabaugh's musical style, often characterized by heartfelt storytelling and emotive delivery, enhances the song's message. The repetition of the chorus and the outro's haunting melody underscore the cyclical nature of the protagonist's feelings, trapped in a loop of hope and disappointment. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the struggle of letting go of someone they still care for, making it a relatable anthem of unrequited love.