Meaning of "Slow Graffiti" by Belle And Sebastian

The lyrics of "Slow Graffiti" by Belle and Sebastian delve into the themes of self-reflection, aging, and relationships, using vivid imagery and introspective musings. The speaker's obsession with a portrait in a back room symbolizes their preoccupation with the passage of time and mortality, as they ponder how they will look in twenty years and try to interpret their personal history through the portrait's depiction of scars and lines. The sense of dread when alone, contrasted with the comfort of having their child around, highlights themes of loneliness, parenthood, and the complexities of relationships. The references to being "like a mother" to someone the speaker has fallen for suggest a nurturing or protective role that they feel conflicted about, adding layers of emotional depth to the lyrics. Ultimately, the song captures a sense of melancholy reflection, uncertainty about the future, and a longing for connection in the face of life's challenges.