Meaning of "Colors" by Amos Lee

The lyrics of "Colors" by Amos Lee delve into themes of loss, longing, and the impact that someone's absence can have on a person's life. The song begins with the narrator feeling lost and messy, as if they don't know where to go or what to do without this person. The absence of this person is represented by the fading of colors in the narrator's life. Colors, which often symbolize vibrancy, joy, and life, become dull and faded when this person is gone. The mention of the New Year's Day parade further emphasizes the significance of this absence. The parade is a festive and celebratory event that marks the beginning of a new year, but without this person, the narrator feels as if the joy and excitement of such events are void. The mention of the mama's call adds another layer to the narrative. The narrator hears the person crying in the background, expressing their own pain and sadness. This suggests that the absence is not only affecting the narrator but the person they are referring to as well. The lyrics further explore the concept of human flaws and how individuals can get trapped in their own emotional vaults. The absence of this person only amplifies these feelings and the longing for their presence. Overall, the song portrays the deep impact of someone's departure on a person's emotional state and the subsequent fading of vibrancy and joy in their life.