The lyrics of "Emaline" by Ben Folds Five reflect the speaker's longing to go back to a time when things were simpler, particularly in his relationship with a woman named Emaline. Despite outside voices and the burdens of money, the speaker can't bring himself to walk away from Emaline, valuing her above material wealth and societal expectations.

Meaning of "Emaline" by Ben Folds Five

"Emaline" tells a story of nostalgia and longing for a past relationship that seemed simpler and more carefree. The speaker pines for the days when he and Emaline could lose themselves in crowds and be in love without the interference of outside opinions or financial worries. Emaline herself is portrayed as someone unbothered by gossip and criticism, someone who floats above it all, while the speaker feels weighed down by societal pressures and the constant reminder of money's influence. Despite this, the speaker struggles to walk away from Emaline, suggesting a deep emotional attachment that transcends societal expectations and financial concerns. The chorus, with its repetition of not wanting to walk away from Emaline, underscores the speaker's internal conflict between what he knows he should do and what he feels compelled to do. Emaline becomes a symbol of a simpler time and a more pure form of love that the speaker is unwilling to let go of, even if it means going against practical advice or societal norms.