Meaning of "I Can't Remember Waking Up" by Air Formation

In "I Can't Remember Waking Up," Air Formation captures the emotions of longing, isolation, and the desire for independence. The opening line reveals the pain the narrator feels every time they separate from their loved one, as tears fill their eyes in those fleeting moments. The narrator then expresses a disconnect from reality, emphasizing their inability to recall certain moments in their life by stating, "I can't remember waking up." This line hints at a state of emotional numbness or detachment, possibly caused by the repeated departures and the difficulty of being apart.

The thought of light symbolizes hope and comfort for the narrator during these difficult times, as it helps them endure the night. The night, metaphorically associated with loneliness and sadness, passes on only with the aid of a flickering light, representing a glimmer of solace amidst the darkness. However, the subsequent lines present a contrasting atmosphere, describing a desolate and wasted existence. The narrator expresses a sense of resignation in the face of what seems to be an unending cycle of wasted days and prolonged goodbyes. They yearn for someone to confirm their experience, asking if everyone feels as they do, suggesting a desire for validation or to find common ground with others who may be going through similar struggles.

The water's clarity and lack of current, mentioned in the following line, may symbolize the stillness and stagnation of the narrator's emotional state. Perhaps they feel trapped in a state of emotional inertia, unable to progress and find resolution in their situation. The final lines of the lyrics convey a feeling of regret and abandonment. The narrator addresses their loved one, expressing that they should have been left alone. They describe their own state as cold, contrasting with the whiteness of snow which symbolizes purity and innocence. This contrast highlights the narrator's perceived unworthiness and their belief that being alone would have been a more fitting punishment or outcome.

Overall, "I Can't Remember Waking Up" explores themes of longing, emotional detachment, and the complexities of relationships. It delves into the narrator's internal struggle as they navigate the pain of separation, the desire for solitude, and the search for understanding or connection.