Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a poignant reflection on how we process the past, specifically the act of "making space" for memories. It immediately establishes a tone of quiet introspection, hinting at a significant absence. The speaker questions whether another person navigates their own past with a similar intent, perhaps clearing room for what's gone. This initial act of "making space" quickly reveals a deeper conflict. The speaker admits that "in erasure I have found myself so close to breaking," suggesting that attempts to clear out old memories paradoxically bring them closer to emotional collapse. This tension is heightened by the regret over "things we missed while we were making space," implying that the focus on future possibilities or letting go overshadowed present moments. The chorus introduces a striking sensory image: "Heard the ocean rolling through your head / Felt the tide in your knees." This isn't just a romantic flourish; it's a profound way to describe intimacy, suggesting a deep, almost psychic connection to the other person's subconscious and physical being. The ocean becomes a metaphor for their shared internal landscape, a vast, powerful force that the speaker could feel even as they were leaving. The lyrics' effectiveness lies in their ability to weave abstract concepts of memory and loss with intensely physical, almost dreamlike sensations. The repeated motif of "making space" evolves from a deliberate act to a source of profound regret, culminating in the poignant image of "run my hand through waves of what we're not." This blend of the tangible and the intangible, the past and the imagined future, creates a powerful sense of longing for what was, and what could never be, leaving the listener with a lingering ache of missed connections.