Meaning of "Sad Song" by Au Revoir Simone

The lyrics of "Sad Song" by Au Revoir Simone convey a complex mix of emotions centered around longing, nostalgia, and the inevitability of change. The narrator seeks out sadness, perhaps as a way to process and hold onto memories of the past that are slipping away. The repeated plea to be taken along with the person who is about to leave suggests a fear of being left behind, a desire for continuity and connection even as circumstances evolve. The imagery of buses moving through the night and getting off at Memphis paints a picture of a journey where physical distance mirrors emotional distance, and the black-top heat symbolizes a thirst for experiences that can never be repeated. The mention of never getting sick anymore can be interpreted as a wish for immunity to the emotional turmoil that comes with change and departure. Overall, the lyrics capture the bittersweet blend of sadness, acceptance, and longing for permanence in the face of life's transient nature.