To Be Enchanted

Song Meaning

The narrator grapples with an intangible presence, a "ghost" that feels deeply familiar yet unidentifiable. This spectral figure isn't a frightful apparition but a source of profound, almost inexplicable connection. The lyrics open with a sense of unease, a belief in having seen something spectral, but this quickly morphs into an overwhelming feeling of recognition. The narrator states, "I've never related more / To anything or anyone before," highlighting the unusual depth of this perceived bond with the unknown entity. The core tension lies in the ghost's dual nature: it's both a reflection and a separate entity, embodying a state of being that the narrator recognizes within themselves. The ghost is described as having "longing in its eyes" and appearing "as much afraid as it's haunted," mirroring a potential internal struggle. This shared vulnerability creates the powerful, albeit confusing, sense of relation. The ghost's plea, "You're alive, quit acting like you're dead," directly confronts the narrator, suggesting the ghost represents a part of themselves that is dormant or unrecognized. The most striking craft element is the personification of this internal state as an external ghost, complete with dialogue. The physical interaction, or lack thereof – "neither one of us could feel it" – underscores the intangible nature of this connection. It’s a relationship felt on a psychic or emotional level, not a physical one. The ghost acts as a mirror, forcing the narrator to confront their own perceived state of un-aliveness, a state that paradoxically allows for profound connection. Ultimately, the lyrics suggest that this "ghost" is a manifestation of a suppressed part of the narrator's own psyche, a feeling of being stuck or disconnected. The ghost's purpose, as revealed in the outro, is to prompt a shift: "To be enchanted." This isn't about magic in a literal sense, but about reawakening to life, feeling present, and recognizing the profound connections that exist even when they are difficult to articulate or physically grasp. The ghost's existence serves to shake the narrator out of a state of emotional numbness.