Meaning of "Broken Frame" by Alex & Sierra

"Broken Frame" explores the theme of a relationship that is not what it appears to be on the surface. The opening lines, "You and me, sitting here spinning gears, We're like a stolen car," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The idea of a stolen car represents a relationship that is built on deceit, suggesting that it is not genuine or sustainable. The subsequent line, "Hand in mine, feeling like this is right, But it's just not us," highlights the realization that despite the initial belief in the relationship's rightness, there is an underlying disconnect and dissatisfaction.

The chorus further emphasizes the theme of disillusionment, with lines such as "The light at the tunnel is a runaway train" and "The stars that we wish on are only airplanes." These metaphors indicate that the hopes and dreams they had for the relationship are ultimately unattainable and fleeting. The line "The love that we're chasing is a heartbreak away" encapsulates the central message of the song: that the perfect love they are searching for is masked by a painful reality.

The bridge suggests a struggle to reconcile with the flaws of the relationship. The line "Time is on neither side" indicates that time does not favor either party in the relationship, implying that their problems are equally shared. The mention of "Novocaine" symbolizes the couple's attempt to numb their pain and hide their true feelings, but eventually, the numbness will fade, and the pain will resurface. The line "There's no good in goodbye" suggests a reluctance to end the relationship despite its brokenness, highlighting the internal conflict they face.

In the final repetition of the chorus, the line "Gotta open our, open our eyes" serves as a call to action, urging the couple to face the reality of their broken relationship. It is a plea for the couple to acknowledge the flaws instead of maintaining the illusion of perfection. Ultimately, "Broken Frame" portrays the struggle to find true love amidst the disillusionments and flaws that can often be obscured by an external facade.