Meaning of "Rearview" by Andra Day

"Rearview" is a heartfelt reflection on a broken relationship and the lingering feelings that come with it. The lyrics depict a sense of longing and regret, as the singer mourns the loss of a love that she believed would last. The opening lines suggest that it was easier to ignore the pain during the day, but at night, when everything is quiet and still, the reality sets in. The pain becomes more intense, and she realizes that something wasn't right.

The chorus emphasizes the singer's inability to move on from the relationship. There is a sense of longing as she wonders where the person went and blames herself for ruining their connection. She expresses that she had no way of knowing the outcome, feeling a sense of helplessness in the face of their separation. The line "Once we were two dancing souls, now all that's left is skulls and bones" suggests that the vibrant love they once shared has now turned cold and lifeless. Despite this, she is still unable to let go and can only see her future when looking in the rearview mirror, constantly reminded of what she has lost.

In the second verse, the singer contemplates the significance of their relationship and questions whether they owe each other more. They had a deep understanding of their connection and believed it would withstand anything. They spent countless nights together, immersing themselves in each other's company. However, the morning they woke up to find the person gone, their hopes were shattered. The repetition of the lines "Oh, but we're a long way, long way from there, and it's a cold case, a cold case to bear" hints at the distance they have come from their previous love, and the burden of living with the unresolved pain.

Overall, "Rearview" captures the emotions of heartbreak, regret, and longing that come with the end of a relationship. It portrays the difficulty of moving on, being stuck in the past, and yearning for a future that can only be seen through the rearview mirror.