Meaning of "Red Lights" by Brian Fallon

The lyrics of "Red Lights" by Brian Fallon delve into the themes of grief, longing, and the complexities of love. The narrator's sentiment reflects their struggle to come to terms with the absence of someone they deeply cared for. They feel overwhelmed with the pain of loss and lament the fact that they haven't succumbed to that grief. The line "In all good faith and sentiment, I can't believe somehow that I haven't died of grief or something since you left this town," emphasizes the narrator's disbelief in their ability to keep going despite the profound sorrow they feel.

The lyrics also highlight the narrator's desperate longing for the person who left. They express a longing to hold them again and crave their presence. However, they recognize that their existence has become a mere shell of emptiness and loneliness. The mention of being "all undecorated, cigarettes, and standard white apartment walls" suggests a lack of vitality and color in their life without this person. The imagery of "sore eyes and beasts at my back door, pulling out their claws" symbolizes the haunting memories and anxieties that plague the narrator's mind, preventing them from finding solace in sleep.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of vulnerability, as the narrator acknowledges their own flaws and past mistakes. They express a willingness to take whatever comes their way, even if it means enduring nightmares. This reveals their longing for a distraction from the pain and the possibility of finding solace in another person's arms. The line "And if I slow it down I'll end up on one of my accusers' knives" suggests that the narrator fears facing their own demons and negative thoughts and chooses to keep moving forward instead.

In the final verse, the narrator acknowledges the ambiguity of the person they desire. They ponder whether this person is an angel or devil. They admit to the potential for getting hurt again and express vulnerability through their past experiences of falling and being burned. Despite this, they are willing to face the risks because the possibility of love is worth it to them.

The act of telling the person they love them at red lights becomes a symbol of fleeting moments of connection and vulnerability. The narrator finds solace in expressing their love, even if it is at a brief pause in their journey. The red lights represent a temporary pause in the fast-paced world, allowing the narrator to convey their feelings before they have to keep moving again.

Overall, "Red Lights" is a poignant exploration of grief, longing, and the complexities of love. It captures the raw emotions and vulnerabilities that come with loss and the relentless pursuit of connection amidst the chaos of life.