The lyrics of "For Only" describe the haunting memories of an image from the past that plays in the narrator's mind with vivid clarity. The narrator feels consumed by the details of the memory, watching it like a movie. The passage of time is reflected upon as the memory fades, leaving the narrator grappling with the inevitability of loss and the feeling of disconnection from the past.

Meaning of "For Only" by Bikini Kill

"For Only" delves into the theme of nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of memories. The opening lines depict an image from the past that remains vivid in the narrator's mind, evoking a sense of longing for something lost. The repetition of "watch it like a movie" emphasizes the idea of reminiscing and reliving the past, as if it were a film playing out in the narrator's thoughts. The line "what's real will surface when it's gone" suggests that true understanding or clarity may only come once a memory has faded, highlighting the fleeting nature of reflection. The mention of a familiar face that cannot be recalled reflects the dissonance between the memory and reality, illustrating the elusive nature of the past and how it can slip away with time. Overall, the lyrics capture the nostalgia of looking back on a moment in time, while also acknowledging the inevitable passage of time and the changes it brings.