Meaning of "Postcard" by Balance And Composure
The lyrics of "Postcard" convey a sense of distance and longing between the narrator and the person they are addressing. The repetition of the phrase "Five lines written on a postcard" emphasizes the simplicity and brevity of their communication. It suggests a desire to express themselves and reach out, even if it's only through a few words. The concept of a postcard represents a physical connection, a tangible presence that can be held and revisited. It symbolizes the narrator's attempt to bridge the gap and establish a closer connection.
The idea of permanence is also prevalent throughout the song. The repeated phrase "Either way you go" suggests that no matter which direction the recipient takes, the ink on the postcard remains permanent. This signifies the lasting impact of the narrator's words, regardless of how they are interpreted or acted upon. The permanence of the ink may also reflect the narrator's desire for their feelings to be forever imprinted in the recipient's mind.
The lyrics also express a sense of unsteadiness and numbness caused by the distance between the narrator and the person they address. The line "Faint and numb, you keep my head unsteady and my hands shake" suggests that the emotional turmoil arising from their separation affects both their physical and mental state. The reference to waiting "until I'm standing in your landscape" reveals the longing to be physically present and connected to the recipient.
The imagery of the stars and the sky adds depth to the song's meaning. Looking at the stars represents a shared experience between the narrator and the recipient, a way of finding solace and connection despite their physical separation. The reference to an open sky illustrated no more implies that their shared dreams and aspirations are no longer visualized together. The mention of a constellation signifies the bond between them, yet their bodies now lie in separate places, emphasizing the physical distance and the inability to be together.
Overall, "Postcard" explores the themes of distance, longing, and the desire for a deeper connection. It speaks to the human need for intimacy and the pain of being physically apart from someone we care about. The lyrics capture the bittersweet nature of the postcard as a means of expression, highlighting the permanence of words and the struggle to bridge the emotional and physical divide.