Meaning of "Rosemary" by Brian Fallon

The lyrics of "Rosemary" explore themes of loneliness, longing for connection, and a yearning for the past. The song captures the emotions of someone who feels out of place and disconnected from the world around them. They express a sense of unease and emptiness, as if something has changed inside them. This feeling is symbolized by the line "And there's a hole in you now, like the windshield was taken out."

The speaker acknowledges that while their pain may not be the worst in the world, it is still valid and real to them. They mention feeling haunted inside their own house, suggesting that their loneliness has become all-encompassing. The mention of crying over the phone and asking where the good times have gone reflects a longing for the joyful moments of the past that have been lost.

The lyrics also touch on the struggle to find companionship. The speaker still loves the familiarity of certain things, like bands and people from their local scene, but expresses a weariness and a desire for someone to be by their side. They confess to doing things just to feel anything, highlighting their desperation for connection and emotional stimulation.

Despite the longing and pain expressed in the song, there is a glimmer of hope. The speaker declares that they are not trying to bring anyone down and that they don't mind being alone, but they are tired of the emptiness. They hold onto the hope that someday they will find someone who will "love me back to life," suggesting that they believe love and connection have the power to heal and bring them back to a sense of wholeness.

Overall, "Rosemary" is a poignant exploration of loneliness, the longing for connection, and the hope for love and acceptance.